Sunovion epilepsy drug available in pharmacies

Courtesy of Business Wire Sunovion Pharmaceuticals' Aptiom is now available in pharmacies add an add-on treatment for partial-onset seizures.

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A new drug from Sunovion Pharmaceuticals aimed at reducing seizures associated with epilepsy is now available by prescription in pharmacies across the United States.

The Marlborough-based company said Monday that Aptiom is available as an add-on treatment in four tablet strengths. The drug can be taken whole or crushed, with or without food, Sunovion said.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the drug as an added treatment in November after it was found to significantly reduce the frequency of seizures in clinical trials as compared with a placebo.

“Approximately one-third of those with epilepsy still have inadequate seizure control despite treatment, so we need new therapies,” Dr. Michael Sperling, director of the Jefferson Comprehensive Epilepsy Center in Philadelphia, said in a statement. “Aptiom is a welcome addition to our therapeutic toolkit.”

Late-stage test results announced in December found that Aptiom as a stand-alone drug did a good job of controlling seizures in patients who are not well-served by current treatment options. Sunovion said it also plans to seek approval of Aptiom as a stand-alone treatment.

Epilepsy affects nearly 2.2 million Americans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, with partial-onset seizures accounting for 60 percent of new diagnoses.