Methods Webinar: Evaluation of Novel Therapies Using Spontaneous Seizure Models

In this webinar, Dr. Cameron Metcalf covers the technical requirements and benefits of spontaneous seizure models, addressing the challenges and optimization of 24/7 video-EEG data collection for epilepsy therapy development.

In the Anticonvulsant Drug Development (ADD) Program, novel compounds are evaluated using a battery of epilepsy models. While traditional drug screening efforts have centered around single administration in evoked seizure models, there has been an increase in efforts toward more etiologically relevant spontaneous seizure models. These efforts require 24/7 video-EEG systems capable of recording multiple animals simultaneously. Further, as the Contract Site for the Epilepsy Therapy Screening Program of the NINDS, screening studies are performed using established and validated approaches that require larger group sizes to achieve statistical power for the endpoints.

As such, efforts to screen compounds have required multiple video-EEG recording units using tethered and radio-telemetry systems. The ADD Program has implemented several models with spontaneous seizures and validated these models by screening FDA-approved antiseizure drugs. Novel compounds can then be evaluated and compared to established drugs as part of a preclinical profiling strategy. Studies are completed in a blinded manner, including blinded video-EEG review.
 

Presenters:

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Cameron Metcalf, PhD   
Associate Director   
ADD Program   
University of Utah

Cameron S. Metcalf, PhD is a Research Assistant Professor of Pharmacology & Toxicology and the Associate Director of the Anticonvulsant Drug Development Program at the University of Utah. He has extensive experience in preclinical models of epilepsy and other neurologic conditions.

 

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Katrina Irey, BS   
Kaha Sales Specialist   
North American Sales   
ADInstruments, Inc.

Katrina Irey began working for ADInstruments in 2018 and has truly loved learning about the complexities of all the research projects that her customers have been involved with. It is Katrina's passion to help customers find solutions to their unique research questions and to ensure they are successfully recording high-quality data to support their findings.