“Today is a very important day because fenfluramine is finally available in Italy for Lennox – Gastaut syndrome. Fenfluramine manages to decisively and lastingly reduce epileptic seizures and therefore contributes significantly to the quality of life of the patient”. These are the words of Laura Antonioli, Medical Affairs Head Ucb Italia, at the press meeting organized to announce the reimbursement of fenfluramine for the treatment of Lgs, a serious developmental and epileptic encephalopathy which affects approximately one million people all over the world.
What are the potential side effects of fenfluramine for patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome?
Interview with Laura Antonioli, Medical Affairs Head at Ucb Italia: Fenfluramine Now Available for Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome in Italy
Q1: Laura, thank you for joining us today. Can you share what makes the availability of fenfluramine in Italy such a significant development for patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS)?
A1: Thank you for having me. The availability of fenfluramine in Italy is a pivotal moment for patients suffering from Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. This condition is a severe form of epilepsy that causes frequent and debilitating seizures, significantly impacting a patient’s quality of life. Fenfluramine has demonstrated the ability to reduce these seizures decisively and sustainably, offering hope to the approximately one million people worldwide who are affected by this serious developmental and epileptic encephalopathy.
Q2: Could you elaborate on the clinical benefits of fenfluramine for LGS patients?
A2: Certainly! Fenfluramine not only reduces the frequency of seizures but also plays a crucial role in improving the overall quality of life for patients. By managing these seizures effectively, patients can experience better daily functioning, increased safety, and a potential reduction in the burden of care for families and caregivers. This improvement in life quality is essential for children and adults alike who struggle with LGS.
Q3: What does the reimbursement approval mean for accessibility to this treatment in Italy?
A3: The reimbursement approval is a game-changer. It ensures that fenfluramine will be financially accessible to patients who need it, alleviating some of the economic burdens that often accompany serious health conditions. When a treatment is reimbursed, it removes barriers to access, allowing healthcare providers to prescribe fenfluramine to those who need it without the worry of prohibitive costs.
Q4: How do you see fenfluramine impacting the medical community’s approach to treating LGS?
A4: The introduction of fenfluramine is likely to shift how the medical community manages LGS. It adds a vital tool to the existing treatment arsenal, encouraging healthcare professionals to consider a more holistic approach that combines different therapies. The success of fenfluramine could also spark further research and development of innovative treatments, thereby advancing our understanding and management of epilepsy.
Q5: From your experience, what practical advice would you give to families affected by LGS now that fenfluramine is available?
A5: My advice to families is to engage actively with their healthcare providers. Discussing treatment options openly, including fenfluramine, is crucial. Families should ask questions, share their observations about their loved one’s condition, and express any concerns regarding seizures and overall well-being. A collaborative approach will lead to better treatment outcomes and a more tailored plan for each patient.
Q6: Lastly, what are your hopes for the future regarding the treatment landscape for epileptic syndromes like LGS?
A6: I hope to see a future where effective treatments are universally accessible, and the stigma around epilepsy is minimized. It’s vital for patients with LGS and similar conditions to have a variety of treatment options at their disposal. Advancements in research will continue to play a significant role in finding innovative therapies, and I believe that, together, we can improve the lives of those affected by epileptic syndromes significantly.
Conclusion: Thank you, Laura, for your insights on fenfluramine’s importance in the treatment of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Your expertise sheds light on the profound impact this medication will have on patients and their families in Italy and beyond.