Method for Treating Refractory Seizures Using a Novel Therapeutic Approach

Technology Overview
The invention provides novel pharmaceutical interventions that convert phenobarbital (PB)-resistant seizures into phenobarbital responsive seizures in neonates. We have shown that unlike in adult brains, expression of a transport protein in the neonatal brain is much lower and undergoes further down-regulation following an ischemic insult, which is one of the most common cause of neonatal seizures. Since it is the activity of this transport protein on neuronal cell membranes that help reduce the intracellular Cl concentrations; we proposed that enhancing its activity in an injured/seizing neonatal brain will act a effective adjunct treatment to convert PB-resistant seizures into PB-responsive seizures. Additionally, by correcting the developmental dysfunction of ischemia related the downregulation of this transport protein, these compositions may prevent the emergence of long-term neurological morbidities in the form of ADHD, learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders and psychiatric disorders associated with a history a neonatal CNS injury.

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