Also known as: common epilepsies
Epilepsy is a chronic noncommunicable brain disorder characterized by recurrent unprovoked seizures due to abnormal electrical discharges in brain cells. Seizure manifestations vary widely in type, severity, and frequency. With appropriate diagnosis and treatment, many people can achieve seizure control.
The global CNS therapeutics market was valued at USD 127.29 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 285.72 billion by 2035, driven by demand for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s treatments. North America held 45% of the market; neurodegenerative diseases were the largest segment. Private investment and trends toward biologics and AI are shaping the sector.
Tortugas Neuroscience and Korsana Biosciences emerged with significant funding to advance clinical-stage pipelines targeting neurological and neurodegenerative diseases. Tortugas raised $106 million, while Korsana secured $175 million to develop therapies for conditions including Alzheimer's, schizophrenia, and epilepsy.
AI algorithms can now detect subtle EEG abnormalities linked to genetic epilepsy without capturing active seizures, according to a University of Delaware study. At the AAN 2026 meeting, experts outlined AI applications in clinical decision support, ambient scribing, and trial recruitment, while emphasizing clinicians must maintain independent judgment.
Gene editing repaired a Dravet syndrome mutation in mice, a prenatal hemophilia A therapy showed maternal safety in sheep, and researchers advanced toward a genetic test for valproic acid use in pregnancy.
The United Arab Emirates has unveiled two gene therapy projects targeting autism, epilepsy, and rare brain disorders in children. The initiatives focus on underlying genetic causes and earlier diagnosis.
Xenon Pharmaceuticals reported positive Phase III X-TOLE2 results for azetukalner in focal onset seizures. The company plans an FDA new drug application in Q3 2026.
The FDA has approved nivolumab with chemotherapy for pediatric and adult Hodgkin lymphoma patients aged 12+, based on clinical trial data showing improved survival. Separately, the agency cleared investigational new drug applications for FG001 for brain cancer surgery visualization and FRF-001 gene therapy for FOXG1 syndrome, allowing both to proceed to clinical trials.
The FDA has accepted Praxis Precision Medicines' NDA for relutrigine with priority review and set a PDUFA target date of September 27, 2026. The therapy targets SCN2A and SCN8A developmental and epileptic encephalopathies and could become the first approved treatment for these rare conditions. The company has bolstered its cash position to support commercial launch preparations.
The global generic drugs market reached $389 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to $675 billion by 2033. In the U.S., generics account for 91% of prescriptions but only 18% of drug spending, saving over $373 billion annually. Biosimilar adoption remains below 20% despite some products reaching over 60% market share within three years.
New research reveals how ketamine rewires brain receptors to rapidly relieve severe depression, while separate trials demonstrate success with personalized brain stimulation and targeted drug therapy for treatment-resistant cases.
| NCT ID | Title | Status | Phase |
|---|---|---|---|
| NCT07768618 |
Electrophysiologic Mechanisms of Ketamine Antidepressant Response |
NOT_YET_RECRUITING | PHASE2 |
| NCT07753681 |
Domestication and Implementation of the PEN-Plus Clinical Model in the Zambian Health System |
RECRUITING | |
| NCT07750496 |
Outcomes After Planned Discontinuation of AntiSeizure Medication |
RECRUITING | PHASE4 |
| NCT07742709 |
Study on the Rapid Diagnostic Value of Sudden Clap Provocation Test in Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures |
ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING | |
| NCT07735715 |
HOBSCOTCH-YOUTH and Young Adults |
NOT_YET_RECRUITING | NA |
| NCT07723287 |
Risk Factors for Drug-Resistant Epilepsy in Children |
SUSPENDED | |
| NCT07721272 |
Human Cognition During Surgery: Stimulation-based and Cholinergic Modulation |
NOT_YET_RECRUITING | EARLY_PHASE1 |
| NCT07717632 |
AI-enhanced LF-MRI in Epilepsy |
ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING | NA |
| NCT07716930 |
Retinal OCT Changes and Biomarkers in Drug-Resistant Epilepsy |
ENROLLING_BY_INVITATION | |
| NCT07713706 |
Neural Mechanisms for Stopping Ongoing Speech Production (Study 2) |
ENROLLING_BY_INVITATION | NA |
