Are We There Yet? New Agents and Foundational Shifts Toward Precision Medicine in Epilepsy

Overview

Due to the historically limited understanding of underlying epilepsy pathology, treatment strategies have been associated with only modest improvements in disease control. However, recent advancements in genomic technology have allowed not only more precise diagnoses but the development of anti-seizure medications (ASMs) that may better target epilepsy etiologies. In this symposium, originally held in conjunction with the 2022 American Epilepsy Society annual meeting, experts explore how these developments are bringing us closer to an era of precision medicine. Drs Nilika Shah Singhal, Heather Olson, and Dennis Dlugos explore several patient scenarios that illustrate the clinical actionability of genetic testing and utility of increasingly targeted ASMs in modern epilepsy management.

Target Audience

The target audience for this initiative includes general neurologists, epileptologists, internal medicine physicians, and advanced practice professionals involved in the long-term management of patients with epilepsy.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of the educational activity, participants should be able to:

  • Evaluate clinical indicators (e.g., intractable seizures) and logistical considerations (e.g., test diagnostic capabilities) for guiding the pursuit of genetic testing in epilepsy to ensure early and accurate diagnosis
  • Identify the current and potential roles of recently FDA-approved agents to determine how and for whom these agents may be best utilized
  • Describe the biological rationale for and ongoing assessment of novel targeted therapeutic strategies to determine the potential future role of these agents in precision medicine and broader epilepsy management
Course summary
Available credit: 
  • 1.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
  • 1.50 Attendance
Course opens: 
12/27/2022
Course expires: 
12/27/2023
Cost:
$0.00
Rating: 
0
  Nilika Shah Singhal, MD (MODERATOR AND CHAIR)
  Associate Professor of Neurology & Pediatrics
  Bridges Coach, UCSF School of Medicine 
  Director, Inquiry Immersion, UCSF School of Medicine
  Medical Director, Clinical Documentation Integrity Program, Benioff Children's Hospital
  San Francisco, CA
 
 
 
  Dennis Dlugos, MD, MSCE 
  Professor of Neurology at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
  Director, Pediatric Epilepsy Program
  Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania
  Philadelphia, PA
 
 
 
 
  Heather Olson, MD 
  Assistant Professor of Neurology
  Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School
  Director, CDKL5 Center of Excellence
  Boston Children's Hospital
  Boston, MA

This activity is jointly provided by Medical Education Resources (MER) and Efficient LLC.

   

 

Accreditation Statement

In support of improving patient care, MER is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

Designation Statement

PHYSICIAN CREDIT
MER designates this enduring activity for a maximum of 1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditsTM. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
 
CERTIFICATE OF PARTICIPATION FOR OTHER HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS
A Certificate of Participation will be given upon completion of the activity enabling participants to register their credit with the appropriate licensing boards or associations.

Disclosure of Conflict of Interest

MER insures balance, independence, objectivity, and scientific rigor in all our educational activities. In accordance with this policy, MER identifies relevant financial relationships with its instructors, content managers, and other individuals who are in a position to control the content of an activity. Reported relevant financial relationships are mitigated by MER to ensure that all scientific research referred to, reported, or used in a CE activity conforms to the generally accepted standards of experimental design, data collection, and analysis. MER is committed to providing learners with high-quality CE activities that promote improvements or quality in health care and not the business interest of an ineligible company.

Planners' and Managers' Disclosure

MER planners and managers have nothing to disclose. Efficient LLC planners and managers have nothing to disclose.

Faculty Disclosure

Dr. Singhal reported no relevant financial relationships.

Dr. Dlugos reported the following financial relationships:

  • Grants/Research Support: The Epilepsy Study Consortium, Pediatric Epilepsy Research Foundation 

Dr. Olson reported the following financial relationships:

  • Consulting Fees: FOXGl Foundation, Marinus Pharmaceuticals, Ovid Pharmaceuticals, Ultragenyx, Zogenix

Disclosure of Unlabeled Use

This educational activity may contain discussion of published and/or investigational uses of agents that are not indicated by the FDA. The planners of this activity do not recommend the use of any agent outside of the labeled indications. The opinions expressed in the educational activity are those of the faculty and do not necessarily represent the views of the planners. Please refer to the official prescribing information for each product for discussion of approved indications, contraindications, and warnings.

Disclaimer

Participants have an implied responsibility to use the newly acquired information to enhance patient outcomes and their own professional development. The information presented in this activity is not meant to serve as a guideline for patient management. Any procedures, medications, or other courses of diagnosis or treatment discussed or suggested in this activity should not be used by clinicians without evaluation of their patient's conditions and possible contraindications and/or dangers in use, review of any applicable manufacturer's product information, and comparison with recommendations of other authorities.

Commercial Support

This continuing education activity is supported by educational grants from Marinus Pharmaceuticals and Takeda Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc.

Available Credit

  • 1.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
  • 1.50 Attendance

Price

Cost:
$0.00
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