In 2026, SynapCell begins sex-dependent seizure research in GAERS absence epilepsy models.
Why RESEARCH ON FEMALES MATTERS IN EPILEPSY
RESEARCH ON FEMALES IN NEUROSCIENCE
Despite progress over the past decade, a persistent underrepresentation of females remains in preclinical neuroscience. Furthermore, sex-dependent analyses are lacking and represent a knowledge gap in the field.
Source: Woitowich et al., 2020
WHY STUDY SEX-DEPENDENT EFFECTS?
Beyond sex differences in pharmacokinetics, female and male brains can differ. Research outlines differences in regional morphology, connectivity, development, receptor signaling systems and endogenous neurosteroids (Premachandran et al., 2020, Len et al., 2012).
In epilepsy, while many aspects are similar in males and females, sex can influence the prevalence of specific syndromes, with higher male prevalence for focal seizures and higher female prevalence in generalized epilepsies.
Epilepsy-associated comorbidities and treatment responses to specific ASM have also been reported to differ across sexes (Reddy et al., 2022; Cepeda et al., 2022).
Clinical evidence shows that 20–70% of women with epilepsy experience catamenial patterns, with seizure fluctuations linked to the menstrual cycle (Reddy, 2016)
OUr mission
In 2026, SynapCell is addressing this gap by launching an internal research program dedicated to exploring sex‑dependent seizure phenotypes and treatment responses in our seizure models, beginning with the GAERS genetic model of absence epilepsy.
Our objective is to generate data that better reflect the clinical reality of epilepsy across sexes.
Maud Muller, PhD
Study Director at SynapCell
Maud Muller, PhD is a Study Director at SynapCell and a neuroscientist specializing in electrophysiology and pharmacology applied to preclinical CNS research. She holds a PhD in Neuroscience from Université Paris Cité, where her research focused on synaptic transmission and hippocampal network function. At SynapCell, she oversees the design and execution of preclinical EEG and electrophysiology studies, contributing to the development of robust, translatable biomarkers that support decision making in CNS drug development.
Alexis Evrard, PhD
Scientific Director, Operations at SynapCell
Alexis Evrard, PhD is Scientific Director, Operations at SynapCell and a senior neuroscientist specializing in electrophysiology and EEG based translational research for preclinical CNS drug discovery. He holds a PhD in Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology from Paris Descartes University and has experience across academia and pharmaceutical R&D. His expertise includes in vivo and in vitro electrophysiology, quantitative EEG, and neural network dynamics. At SynapCell, he oversees preclinical EEG studies and the development of robust, translatable pharmaco EEG biomarkers supporting decision making.