Single-dose efficacy evaluation of loreclezole in patients with photosensitive epilepsy

Photosensitivity can be used as a model in short-term studies for assessing the efficacy of new antiepileptic drugs in man. As a quantitative measure of photosensitivity, the photosensitivity range is employed. This is the range between the highest and the lowest flash rate producing a photoparoxysmal response (generalized paroxysmal activity on the EEG). An efficacious new antiepileptic drug should, like all currently available antiepileptic drugs, reduce the photosensitivity range. Single-dose administration of 100-150 mg of loreclezole resulted in a decreased photosensitivity in all patients tested. This effect was attributable to loreclezole as no acute interactions with valproic acid could be demonstrated. The rapid onset of activity indicates that loreclezole readily passes the blood-brain barrier. The doses applied were very well tolerated.