Louvain La Neuve, Belgium - Treatment of Refractory Epilepsy by Vagus Nerve Stimulation will now be available in Europe. Neurotech, a Belgium based developer and manufacturer of neurostimulation devices, announces that it has obtained the European CE Mark for its ADNS-300 system dedicated to the treatment of refractory epilepsy. The surgically implanted ADNS-300 system delivers mild electrical pulses to the vagus nerve in the neck. Operating as a pacemaker, it produces stimulation towards the brain.

“Advens therapy” uses the ADNS-300 stimulator as a therapeutic option for those patients who are refractory to anti-epileptic drugs and are not eligible for epilepsy (brain) surgery. The ADNS-300 is the world’s first rechargeable neurostimulator for vagus nerve stimulation. The device includes an innovative electrode and a promising “sensing” feature that may prove to be a significant technological breakthrough in the control of response to the therapy. Patients use a remote controller and charger to turn the system on/off and to recharge the neurostimulator. “Rechargeable systems may prove to be more cost-effective, especially if surgical operations to replace batteries are avoided over time. This helps patients to maintain a more independent life, with a lower risk of potential complications associated with battery replacement surgery.”

“We are pleased to have reached this key milestone in the development of our range of our proprietary products and we are looking forward to make this therapy available to all the eligible patients of key European centers of excellence,” said Mr. Michel Troosters, CEO of Neurotech. “We are convinced that this unique, state-of-the-art medical device will prove to be an important tool in the care for patients suffering from refractory epilepsy. The sensing feature, once clinically validated, could represent a paradigm shift in the VNS field,” added Mr. Troosters. Early clinical testing of the device and its different features have shown promising results (El Tahry R, Raedt R, Mollet L et al, A novel implantable vagus nerve stimulation system (ADNS-300) for combined stimulation and recording of the vagus nerve.

The prevalence of active epilepsy is roughly in the range of 5-10 per 1.000 people according to the World Health Organization. Approximately 1/3 of epileptic patients are considered “refractory” and thus potential candidate for the Advens therapy.

“The commercial outlook of Neurotech is very attractive in Europe with diversified applications in the product pipeline. We are now ready to open the capital of the company to new investors who will position Neurotech as the world-class neuromodulation company,” according to Mr. Philippe Durieux, CEO of Sopartec and board member of Neurotech. The market launch of this new product is scheduled with a gradual roll-out to most European countries.

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On March 31, an estimated 5,000 people impacted by epilepsy rallied together on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. at the Epilepsy Foundation’s National Walk for Epilepsy.  It was here that UCB, “The Epilepsy Company” and silver sponsor of the event, debuted the “My Four Words” project, challenging attendees to express their personal journey with epilepsy in just four words.

The “My Four Words” project generated buzz and spurred conversation about a condition that is often misunderstood. Caregivers, friends and family members also contributed their four words to the project.

UCB was represented by a team of 50, further demonstrating their commitment to the epilepsy community.  In addition to the “My Four Words” project, UCB provided participants with information about patient programs that include Epilepsy Advocate, Canine Assistants and the UCB Epilepsy Family Scholarship Program.

“My four words were, ‘STARTED A SUPPORT GROUP’ – the first ever in Nebraska for people with epilepsy, in fact,” said Heather Overton, Epilepsy Advocate. ”Shortly after graduating college, I was so excited by my newfound freedom that I wanted to share my experience with others. I often tell my group, which has grown to over 30 members, how I’ve worked with my epileptologist to find a treatment plan that works for me.”

The 20 Advocates and hundreds of people living with epilepsy who shared their stories in four words represented the nearly three million people in the U.S. living with this chronic neurological disorder.(1)  Epilepsy occurs across all ages, races and genders and is defined as two or more unprovoked seizures.  Seizures are caused by abnormal electrical signals from the brain that can result in changes in attention or behavior.(2)

Although seizures can be disruptive and debilitating, the four word stories offered hope that more is possible. They communicated challenges and triumphs, expressed the importance of raising awareness, honored loved ones and inspired those living with epilepsy to continue striving for seizure control.

“UCB is dedicated to helping those with epilepsy realize more may be possible, and the ‘My Four Words’ project is yet another important step in our ongoing commitment to empowering people to speak out and change the way the condition is perceived,” said Sue Curro, Vice President, UCB Patient Solutions. “We were thrilled to see the great outpouring of emotion the project inspired at the National Walk for Epilepsy.”

The Epilepsy Foundation’s National Walk for Epilepsy is in its sixth year and was established to raise awareness and overcome the challenges created by epilepsy. This year’s turnout was the biggest to date, and attendees further supported the cause by participating in the “My Four Words” project.

“The ‘My Four Words’ project was a great way to ignite dialogue about a condition that is too often silenced,” said Former Rep. Tony Coelho (D-Calif.), interim CEO of the Epilepsy Foundation. “The National Walk for Epilepsy brought people together and inspired attendees, and the nation, to talk about epilepsy and the importance of seizure control.”

To view these personal stories, images from the walk, and to learn more about seizures and epilepsy, visit www.facebook.com/EpilepsyAdvocate.

Image Courtesy of   https://www.facebook.com/EpilepsyFoundationofAmerica

The article “My Four Words” Project Speaks Out on Living with Epilepsy appeared first on The Toonari Post - News, Powered by the People!.