Cavion and SynapCell Present Significant Seizure-Suppressing Outcomes Using the GAERS Rat
This article summarizes key preclinical findings generated through the collaboration between Cavion and SynapCell, focusing on the evaluation of the T-type calcium channel modulator CX-8998 in validated models of absence epilepsy. Using the GAERS rat, a highly predictive and translational model, the study provides clear evidence of CX-8998’s seizure-suppressing properties. The following sections outline the experimental outcomes and their relevance to ongoing research in absence epilepsy.
Cavion’s T-Type Calcium Channel Modulator CX-8998 is Superior to Current Standard of Care in Suppressing Absence Seizures in SynapCell’s Genetic Absence Epilepsy Model (GAERS)
Study overview and research objectives
Cavion, Inc., a clinical stage biotechnology company developing novel therapeutics for neurological diseases, announced today that their first-in-class T-type calcium channel modulator CX-8998 significantly suppressed seizures in two translational animal models of absence epilepsy. CX-8998 was more effective than the commonly prescribed anti-epileptic drug ethosuximide in reducing absence seizures in Genetic Absence Epilepsy Rats from Strasbourg (GAERS), a highly predictive model of absence epilepsy.
Preclinical findings in the GAERS Model
In the GAERS rats, CX-8998 showed near complete suppression of seizure activity (99% reduction in both number and cumulative duration of spike wave discharges) at 10 mg/kg, a well-tolerated dose that results in human-achievable drug concentrations. In contrast, ethosuximide suppressed 60% of seizure activity at exposures associated with the optimal human dose. The poster being presented in the Anticonvulsant and Antiepileptic Therapies Session (289.21) of the Society for Neuroscience Annual Meeting 2018 held in San Diego, CA, also described CX-8998’s preclinical efficacy against seizure as tested previously in the WAG/Rij rat model.
Presentation of data at the Society for Neuroscience annual meeting
Cavion has presented the data at the Society for Neuroscience Annual Meeting demonstrating that its T-type calcium channel modulator CX-8998 significantly suppressed seizures in GAERS and WAG/Rij animal models of absence epilepsy.
Overall, the data obtained in the GAERS model support the therapeutic potential of CX-8998 as a T-type calcium channel modulator for absence epilepsy. The robust seizure suppression observed at well-tolerated, translationally relevant doses further strengthens the rationale for its continued development. These findings also underline the predictive value of SynapCell’s preclinical models in advancing investigational therapies targeting neurological disorders.