Latest news with #SUDEP


Express Tribune
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Dove Cameron pays tribute to Cameron Boyce on his 26th birthday
On what would have been Cameron Boyce's 26th birthday, Dove Cameron and fellow Descendants cast members paid tribute to the late Disney star, who passed away in 2019 due to epilepsy complications. Cameron Boyce died at age 20 after suffering a seizure in his sleep. On Wednesday, May 28, Dove Cameron honored her close friend and former co-star by posting a series of black-and-white photos on Instagram. Her caption read, 'I still feel you all the time. catch you in the next life. happy birthday. i love you.' The post included touching images of the two embracing, a tattoo Dove got in his honor (a firearm with roses, symbolizing Boyce's anti-gun violence advocacy), and a group photo with Descendants co-stars Sofia Carson and Booboo Stewart. Carson also shared a tribute, featuring a photo of Boyce mid-dance with the caption, 'Keep dancing in heaven, my Cam. Earth could never be the same without you.' Stewart posted a Story saying, 'Love you always, happy birthday,' over a nostalgic image of them sharing a milkshake. Director Kenny Ortega, who worked closely with Boyce on the Descendants films, wrote a heartfelt message praising Boyce's light and legacy, encouraging fans to support the Cameron Boyce Foundation. The organization focuses on using the arts for positive change and raising awareness about SUDEP (Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy). Cameron Boyce's memory continues to inspire through the foundation's mission and the ongoing love from those who knew and admired him.


Scotsman
25-05-2025
- Health
- Scotsman
Spike in Scots living with epilepsy as charity launches awareness drive
Fears that thousands of Scots may be at risk without adequate support Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Far more people in Scotland are living with epilepsy than has previously been reported amid calls from a leading charity to boost awareness about the condition. Epilepsy Scotland pointed to new statistics which shows that an estimated 80,406 people in the country are living with epilepsy. It has raised concerns that thousands of Scots could be at risk without adequate support. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Although it has long been one of the most prevalent neurological conditions nationally, that figure, detailed in statistics published by Public Health Scotland, the national health agency, represents an increase of 38.6 per cent on the longstanding figure of 58,000 cited by charities, health services, and politicians. Roughly one in every 100 Scots has epilepsy. Picture: Epilepsy Scotland Now, as part of National Epilepsy Week, the leading charity has called for more open and informed conversations about epilepsy and its risks, including sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP), a rare and fatal complication. The charity, which works to ensure people living with epilepsy have access to high quality medical, social, educational, and support services, and can be free from stigma and discrimination, said the updated figures showing the number of people living with epilepsy highlighted the importance of ensuring that those affected receive appropriate support. Lesslie Young, Epilepsy Scotland's chief executive, said: 'These new figures give us a clearer picture of the number of people affected by epilepsy in Scotland today. Most people with epilepsy live full, independent lives — but for some, the condition brings more complex challenges. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Our campaign this year focuses on ensuring that people with epilepsy, their families, and clinicians are supported to have sensitive, open conversations about SUDEP. With greater understanding comes greater confidence to manage risk and support wellbeing.' Epilepsy Scotland's Lesslie Young | Epilepsy Scotland SUDEP refers to the sudden, unexpected death of a person with epilepsy, where no other cause of death is found. While uncommon, it is one of the most serious potential outcomes of epilepsy. Research suggests that up to 12 per cent of people with difficult-to-manage epilepsy may be affected. In Scotland, it is estimated that up to two people die each week as a result of SUDEP, yet many individuals and families remain unaware of the risk. Separate Public Health Scotland data shows there has been a clear increase in the number of deaths in Scotland where epilepsy was recorded as the underlying cause on the death certificate. While there were 104 such deaths recorded in 2008, the number stood at 135 in 2023. The number of men dying where epilepsy is deemed to be the underlying cause went up from 68 to 79 over the same period, with the respective figures for women also up, from 36 to 56. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Epilepsy Scotland's current campaign, The Seizure that Stole a Future, is focused on sharing personal stories of people whose lives were cut short by epilepsy in an attempt to bolster recognition of the emotional and practical realities families face.


Scotsman
25-05-2025
- Health
- Scotsman
Spike in Scots living with epilepsy as charity launches awareness drive
Fears that thousands of Scots may be at risk without adequate support Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Far more people in Scotland are living with epilepsy than has previously been reported amid calls from a leading charity to boost awareness about the condition. Epilepsy Scotland pointed to new statistics which shows that an estimated 80,406 people in the country are living with epilepsy. It has raised concerns that thousands of Scots could be at risk without adequate support. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Although it has long been one of the most prevalent neurological conditions nationally, that figure, detailed in statistics published by Public Health Scotland, the national health agency, represents an increase of 38.6 per cent on the longstanding figure of 58,000 cited by charities, health services, and politicians. Roughly one in every 100 Scots has epilepsy. Picture: Epilepsy Scotland Now, as part of National Epilepsy Week, the leading charity has called for more open and informed conversations about epilepsy and its risks, including sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP), a rare and fatal complication. The charity, which works to ensure people living with epilepsy have access to high quality medical, social, educational, and support services, and can be free from stigma and discrimination, said the updated figures showing the number of people living with epilepsy highlighted the importance of ensuring that those affected receive appropriate support. Lesslie Young, Epilepsy Scotland's chief executive, said: 'These new figures give us a clearer picture of the number of people affected by epilepsy in Scotland today. Most people with epilepsy live full, independent lives — but for some, the condition brings more complex challenges. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Our campaign this year focuses on ensuring that people with epilepsy, their families, and clinicians are supported to have sensitive, open conversations about SUDEP. With greater understanding comes greater confidence to manage risk and support wellbeing.' Epilepsy Scotland's Lesslie Young | Epilepsy Scotland SUDEP refers to the sudden, unexpected death of a person with epilepsy, where no other cause of death is found. While uncommon, it is one of the most serious potential outcomes of epilepsy. Research suggests that up to 12 per cent of people with difficult-to-manage epilepsy may be affected. In Scotland, it is estimated that up to two people die each week as a result of SUDEP, yet many individuals and families remain unaware of the risk. Separate Public Health Scotland data shows there has been a clear increase in the number of deaths in Scotland where epilepsy was recorded as the underlying cause on the death certificate. While there were 104 such deaths recorded in 2008, the number stood at 135 in 2023. The number of men dying where epilepsy is deemed to be the underlying cause went up from 68 to 79 over the same period, with the respective figures for women also up, from 36 to 56. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Epilepsy Scotland's current campaign, The Seizure that Stole a Future, is focused on sharing personal stories of people whose lives were cut short by epilepsy in an attempt to bolster recognition of the emotional and practical realities families face.


Business Upturn
13-05-2025
- Business
- Business Upturn
Bright Minds Biosciences Announces Positive Findings from its DBA/2 Mouse Model Study Evaluating BMB-101
– BMB-101 demonstrated a complete elimination of drop attacks in the DBA/2 mouse model – – The DBA/2 model is highly predictive of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) – – Findings highlight BMB-101's potential to address critical gaps in SUDEP prevention – NEW YORK and VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bright Minds Biosciences Inc. (CSE: DRUG) (NASDAQ: DRUG) ('Bright Minds' or the 'Company'), a company focused on developing highly selective 5-HT2 agonists for the treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy, depression, and other central nervous system (CNS) disorders, today announced positive findings from its DBA/2 mouse model study. BMB-101, the Company's novel scaffold 5-HT 2C Gq-protein biased agonist, demonstrated a complete elimination of drop attacks in the DBA/2 mouse model. 'DBA/2 is an excellent model for understanding the effect of anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) on the etiology of seizures,' stated Jan Torleif Pedersen, PhD, MSc, Director, Chief Science Officer, of Bright Minds Biosciences. 'BMB-101 demonstrated dose-dependent efficacy in the DBA/2 mouse model of epilepsy, and drop seizures were completely eliminated. Notably, BMB-101 achieved 100% survival in the DBA/2 model, reversing brainstem serotonin deficits and preventing seizure-induced respiratory arrest. SUDEP is the leading cause of seizure-related premature death, particularly in drug-resistant epilepsy patients, and we are extremely pleased to advance our investigative work and build on this preclinical validation.' The DBA/2 mouse model is an inbred mouse strain in which young DBA/2 mice are susceptible to audiogenic seizures, making them a model for epilepsy studies. This epilepsy model does re-capitulate phenomenon such as tonic/clonic seizures, drop attacks, and sudden unexpected death in epilepsy. These findings highlight BMB-101's potential to address critical gaps in SUDEP prevention, a leading cause of mortality in Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathy (DEE) patients. For individuals with Dravet syndrome, the risk of premature death has been estimated as 15-20%, with half or more cases attributed to SUDEP. About BMB-101 BMB-101 is a novel scaffold 5-HT 2C Gq-protein biased agonist developed using structure-based drug design. It was explicitly designed for chronic treatment of neurological disorders where tolerance and drug resistance are common issues. Biased agonism at the 5-HT 2C receptor is one of its key features and adds another layer of functional selectivity within a well-validated target. BMB-101 works exclusively via the Gq-protein signaling pathway and avoids beta-arrestin activation, which is crucial to minimize the risk of receptor desensitization and tolerance development. This provides a novel mechanism, anti-epileptic drug designed to provide sustained seizure relief in hard-to-treat patient populations. In preclinical studies, BMB-101 has demonstrated efficacy in animal models of Dravet Syndrome and numerous models of generalized seizures. In Phase 1 clinical studies, BMB-101 was given to 64 healthy volunteers in a Single Ascending Dose (SAD), Multiple Ascending Dose (MAD) and food-effects study. BMB-101 was demonstrated to be safe and well tolerated at all doses. No Serious Adverse Events (SAEs) were observed, and Adverse Events (AEs) were mild in nature and in line with on-target effects for serotonergic drugs. An extensive target-engagement study was conducted using both fluid biomarkers (transient prolactin release) and physical biomarkers (Quantitative Electroencephalogram, qEEG). Both methods confirmed robust central target engagement. A qEEG signature typical for anti-epileptic drugs was observed, with a selective depression of EEG power at frequencies observed during epileptic seizures. Furthermore, a potentiation of frontal gamma-power was observed in this study which could indicate the potential for improved cognition. About Bright Minds Bright Minds is a biotechnology company developing innovative treatments for patients with neurological and psychiatric disorders. Our pipeline includes novel compounds targeting key receptors in the brain to address conditions with high unmet medical need, including epilepsy, depression, and other CNS disorders. Bright Minds is focused on delivering breakthrough therapies that can transform patients' lives. Bright Minds has developed a unique platform of highly selective serotonergic agonists exhibiting selectivity at different serotonergic receptors. This has provided a rich portfolio of NCE programs within neurology and psychiatry. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains 'forward-looking information'. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as 'plans', 'expects', 'is expected', 'budget', 'scheduled', 'estimates', 'forecasts', 'intends', 'anticipates', or 'believes' or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results 'may', 'could', 'would', 'might' or 'will' be taken, occur, have the potential to occur, or be achieved. Forward-looking statements in this news release include BMB-101 impacting gaps in SUDEP prevention or reducing the risk of death for individuals with Dravet Syndrome, , and future intended use or therapeutic benefit of BMB-101 to treat epilepsy disorders. A variety of factors, including known and unknown risks, many of which are beyond our control, could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking information in this news release. These factors include the company's financial position and operational runway, market condition, success of competitors products in respect of epilepsy treatment and timelines related to such products, regulatory risk to operating in the pharmaceutical industry, risk related to BMB-101 failing in development, not receiving required regulatory approvals, or being delayed to a point where it is not commercially viable, risk related to regulatory agencies imposing additional requirements or delay the initiation of clinical trials, or new or changing laws imposing additional requirements; clinical trials may also not demonstrate the safety or efficacy of BMB-101 in the manner needed to allow the product to go into development. It remains uncertain whether BMB-101 can be developed as a safe and effective treatment of Dravet Syndrome or other epilepsy disorders, and if so, whether the product will be commercially accepted and profitable. Additional risk factors can also be found in the Company's public filings under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this news release and the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances, management's estimates or opinions should change, except as required by securities legislation. Accordingly, the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Canadian Securities Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the information contained herein and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Contact Information Investor Relations Lisa M. WilsonT: 212-452-2793 E: [email protected]


Globe and Mail
13-05-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Bright Minds Biosciences Announces Positive Findings from its DBA/2 Mouse Model Study Evaluating BMB-101
- BMB-101 demonstrated a complete elimination of drop attacks in the DBA/2 mouse model - - The DBA/2 model is highly predictive of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) - - Findings highlight BMB-101's potential to address critical gaps in SUDEP prevention - NEW YORK and VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bright Minds Biosciences Inc. (CSE: DRUG) (NASDAQ: DRUG) ('Bright Minds' or the 'Company'), a company focused on developing highly selective 5-HT2 agonists for the treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy, depression, and other central nervous system (CNS) disorders, today announced positive findings from its DBA/2 mouse model study. BMB-101, the Company's novel scaffold 5-HT 2C Gq-protein biased agonist, demonstrated a complete elimination of drop attacks in the DBA/2 mouse model. 'DBA/2 is an excellent model for understanding the effect of anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) on the etiology of seizures,' stated Jan Torleif Pedersen, PhD, MSc, Director, Chief Science Officer, of Bright Minds Biosciences. 'BMB-101 demonstrated dose-dependent efficacy in the DBA/2 mouse model of epilepsy, and drop seizures were completely eliminated. Notably, BMB-101 achieved 100% survival in the DBA/2 model, reversing brainstem serotonin deficits and preventing seizure-induced respiratory arrest. SUDEP is the leading cause of seizure-related premature death, particularly in drug-resistant epilepsy patients, and we are extremely pleased to advance our investigative work and build on this preclinical validation.' The DBA/2 mouse model is an inbred mouse strain in which young DBA/2 mice are susceptible to audiogenic seizures, making them a model for epilepsy studies. This epilepsy model does re-capitulate phenomenon such as tonic/clonic seizures, drop attacks, and sudden unexpected death in epilepsy. These findings highlight BMB-101's potential to address critical gaps in SUDEP prevention, a leading cause of mortality in Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathy (DEE) patients. For individuals with Dravet syndrome, the risk of premature death has been estimated as 15-20%, with half or more cases attributed to SUDEP. About BMB-101 BMB-101 is a novel scaffold 5-HT 2C Gq-protein biased agonist developed using structure-based drug design. It was explicitly designed for chronic treatment of neurological disorders where tolerance and drug resistance are common issues. Biased agonism at the 5-HT 2C receptor is one of its key features and adds another layer of functional selectivity within a well-validated target. BMB-101 works exclusively via the Gq-protein signaling pathway and avoids beta-arrestin activation, which is crucial to minimize the risk of receptor desensitization and tolerance development. This provides a novel mechanism, anti-epileptic drug designed to provide sustained seizure relief in hard-to-treat patient populations. In preclinical studies, BMB-101 has demonstrated efficacy in animal models of Dravet Syndrome and numerous models of generalized seizures. In Phase 1 clinical studies, BMB-101 was given to 64 healthy volunteers in a Single Ascending Dose (SAD), Multiple Ascending Dose (MAD) and food-effects study. BMB-101 was demonstrated to be safe and well tolerated at all doses. No Serious Adverse Events (SAEs) were observed, and Adverse Events (AEs) were mild in nature and in line with on-target effects for serotonergic drugs. An extensive target-engagement study was conducted using both fluid biomarkers (transient prolactin release) and physical biomarkers (Quantitative Electroencephalogram, qEEG). Both methods confirmed robust central target engagement. A qEEG signature typical for anti-epileptic drugs was observed, with a selective depression of EEG power at frequencies observed during epileptic seizures. Furthermore, a potentiation of frontal gamma-power was observed in this study which could indicate the potential for improved cognition. About Bright Minds Bright Minds is a biotechnology company developing innovative treatments for patients with neurological and psychiatric disorders. Our pipeline includes novel compounds targeting key receptors in the brain to address conditions with high unmet medical need, including epilepsy, depression, and other CNS disorders. Bright Minds is focused on delivering breakthrough therapies that can transform patients' lives. Bright Minds has developed a unique platform of highly selective serotonergic agonists exhibiting selectivity at different serotonergic receptors. This has provided a rich portfolio of NCE programs within neurology and psychiatry. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains 'forward-looking information'. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as 'plans', 'expects', 'is expected', 'budget', 'scheduled', 'estimates', 'forecasts', 'intends', 'anticipates', or 'believes' or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results 'may', 'could', 'would', 'might' or 'will' be taken, occur, have the potential to occur, or be achieved. Forward-looking statements in this news release include BMB-101 impacting gaps in SUDEP prevention or reducing the risk of death for individuals with Dravet Syndrome, , and future intended use or therapeutic benefit of BMB-101 to treat epilepsy disorders. A variety of factors, including known and unknown risks, many of which are beyond our control, could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking information in this news release. These factors include the company's financial position and operational runway, market condition, success of competitors products in respect of epilepsy treatment and timelines related to such products, regulatory risk to operating in the pharmaceutical industry, risk related to BMB-101 failing in development, not receiving required regulatory approvals, or being delayed to a point where it is not commercially viable, risk related to regulatory agencies imposing additional requirements or delay the initiation of clinical trials, or new or changing laws imposing additional requirements; clinical trials may also not demonstrate the safety or efficacy of BMB-101 in the manner needed to allow the product to go into development. It remains uncertain whether BMB-101 can be developed as a safe and effective treatment of Dravet Syndrome or other epilepsy disorders, and if so, whether the product will be commercially accepted and profitable. Additional risk factors can also be found in the Company's public filings under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this news release and the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances, management's estimates or opinions should change, except as required by securities legislation. Accordingly, the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Canadian Securities Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the information contained herein and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Contact Information Investor Relations Lisa M. Wilson T: 212-452-2793 E: lwilson@ Alex Vasilkevich Chief Operating Officer Bright Minds Biosciences Inc. T: 414-731-6422 E: alex@ Website: