Longboard Pharmaceuticals Kicks Off Phase 3 Trial Of Bexicaserin For Treating Developmental And Epileptic Encephalopathies

Longboard Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to advancing innovative treatments for neurological disorders, has officially launched its global Phase 3 DEEp OCEAN Study. This pivotal trial will assess the efficacy of its experimental drug, bexicaserin, in treating seizures linked to Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathies (DEEs) in individuals aged two years and older.

Chad Orevillo, Longboard’s Executive Vice President, Head of Operations, mentioned, “The initiation of our second global Phase 3 clinical trial, DEEp OCEAN in DEEs, is a significant milestone for Longboard and the entire DEE community. As the first pivotal trial of its kind to study DEEs broadly with the goal of achieving an indication for seizures associated with DEEs, DEEp OCEAN has the ability to address a crucial unmet need. The strong sense of urgency and excitement for DEEp OCEAN from the community is profound, and we are thrilled that this trial will provide hope and access for individuals living with underserved syndromes.”

Gabrielle Conecker, MPH, Executive Director & Co-Founder of Decoding Developmental Epilepsies, home of the International SCN8A Alliance, DEE-P Connections, and The Inchstone Project, said in a statement, “I am truly excited about the impact that DEEp OCEAN could have for the DEE community. The majority of people living with DEEs lack access to innovative medications, and have not had the opportunity to participate in clinical trials tailored to their condition.”

He further added, “It’s encouraging to see strides being made in DEE research aimed at benefiting a broader population of patients who are suffering with refractory seizures and related health challenges. I’m also pleased that we are moving towards greater equity and access for underserved patients and their families to engage in clinical research.”