RARE DISEASE
Progressive myoclonic epilepsy type 7
Progressive myoclonic epilepsy type 7
Progressive myoclonic epilepsy type 7
Synonyms: EPM7, MEAK, Myoclonus epilepsy and ataxia due to potassium channel mutation, PME type 7, Progressive myoclonic epilepsy due to KV3.1 deficiency, Progressive myoclonus epilepsy type 7
Synonyms: EPM7, MEAK, Myoclonus epilepsy and ataxia due to potassium channel mutation, PME type 7, Progressive myoclonic epilepsy due to KV3.1 deficiency, Progressive myoclonus epilepsy type 7
Synonyms: EPM7, MEAK, Myoclonus epilepsy and ataxia due to potassium channel mutation, PME type 7, Progressive myoclonic epilepsy due to KV3.1 deficiency, Progressive myoclonus epilepsy type 7
Drug discovery
1
drug
With orphan designation
Overview
Progressive Myoclonic Epilepsy Type 7 (EPM7) is a rare autosomal dominant genetic disorder caused by KCNC1 mutations, leading to dysfunctional KV3.1 potassium channels. It typically manifests in childhood/adolescence with severe, progressive myoclonus, infrequent tonic-clonic seizures, cerebellar ataxia, and mild cognitive decline. EEG shows generalized epileptiform discharges, and MRI may reveal cerebellar atrophy. While motor disability is prominent, cognitive impairment is less severe compared to other PMEs [1][2][6].
Categories: rare genetic diseases, rare neurological diseases
Research Papers
9 drug discovery papers about Progressive myoclonic epilepsy type 7, with 1 next-in-class emerging drug candidate forecasted to outperform the average preclinical success rate. Recent publications:
9 drug discovery papers about Progressive myoclonic epilepsy type 7, with 1 next-in-class emerging drug candidate forecasted to outperform the average preclinical success rate. Recent publications:
categories:
Small molecules
small molecules
2025-03-18 | Emerging Therapy Opportunities for Progressive Myoclonus in Epilepsy
Original Article Abstract: Original Article Citation: Feng H, Clatot J, Kaneko K, Flores-Mendez M, Wengert ER, Koutcher C, Hoddeson E, Lopez E, Lee D, Arias L, Liang Q, Zhang X, Somarowthu A, Covarrubias M, Gunthorpe MJ, Large CH, Akizu N, Goldberg EM. Targeted therapy improves cellular dysfunction, ataxia, and seizure susceptibility in a model of a progressive myoclonus epilepsy. Cell Reports Medicine , Volume 5, Issue 2, 2024, 101389. The recurrent variant KCNC1 -p.Arg320His causes progressive myoclonus epilepsy type 7 (EPM7), defined by progressive myoclonus, epilepsy, and ataxia, and is without effective treatment. KCNC1 encodes the voltage-gated potassium channel subunit Kv3.1, specifically expressed in high-frequency-firing neurons. Variant subunits act via loss of function; hence, EPM7 pathogenesis may involve impaired excitability of Kv3.1-expressing neurons, while enhancing Kv3 activity could represent a viable therapeutic strategy. We generate a mouse model, Kcnc1-p.Arg320His/+, which recapitulates the core features of EPM7, including progressive ataxia and seizure susceptibility. Kv3.1-expressing cerebellar granule cells and neocortical parvalbumin-positive GABAergic interneurons exhibit abnormalities consistent with Kv3 channel dysfunction. AKv3-specific positive modulator (AUT00206) selectively enhances the firing frequency of Kv3.1-expressing neurons and improves motor function and seizure susceptibility in Kcnc1-Arg320His/+ mice. This work identifies a cellular and circuit basis of dysfunction in EPM7 and demonstrates that Kv3 positive modulators such as AUT00206 have therapeutic potential for the treatment of EPM7.
2023-07-18 | Potential Benefit of Channel Activators in Loss-of-Function Primary Potassium Channelopathies Causing Heredoataxia.
Potassium channels (KCN) are transmembrane complexes that regulate the resting membrane potential and the duration of action potentials in cells. The opening of KCN brings about an efflux of K+ ions that induces cell repolarization after depolarization, returns the transmembrane potential to its resting state, and enables for continuous spiking ability. The aim of this work was to assess the role of KCN dysfunction in the pathogenesis of hereditary ataxias and the mechanisms of action of KCN opening agents (KCO). In consequence, a review of the ad hoc medical literature was performed. Among hereditary KCN diseases causing ataxia, mutated Kv3.3, Kv4.3, and Kv1.1 channels provoke spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) type 13, SCA19/22, and episodic ataxia type 1 (EA1), respectively. The K+ efflux was found to be reduced in experimental models of these diseases, resulting in abnormally prolonged depolarization and incomplete repolarization, thereby interfering with repetitive discharges in the cells. Hence, substances able to promote normal spiking activity in the cerebellum could provide symptomatic benefit. Although drugs used in clinical practice do not activate Kv3.3 or Kv4.3 directly, available KCO probably could ameliorate ataxic symptoms in SCA13 and SCA19/22, as verified with acetazolamide in EA1, and retigabine in a mouse model of hypokalemic periodic paralysis. To summarize, ataxia could possibly be improved by non-specific KCO in SCA13 and SCA19/22. The identification of new specific KCO agents will undoubtedly constitute a promising therapeutic strategy for these diseases.
2021-03-24 | Perampanel Improves Cortical Myoclonus and Disability in Progressive Myoclonic Epilepsies: A Case Series and a Systematic Review of the Literature
Introduction: Progressive myoclonic epilepsies (PMEs) are a heterogenous group of genetic diseases presenting with epilepsy, cognitive impairment, and severe action myoclonus, which can severely affect daily life activities and independent walking ability. Perampanel is a recent commercially available antiseizure medication with high efficacy against generalized seizures. Some reports supported the role of perampanel in ameliorating action myoclonus in PMEs. Here, we aimed to describe a case series and provide a systematic literature review on perampanel effects on PMEs. Methods: We report the perampanel effectiveness on myoclonus, daily life activities, and seizures on an original Italian multicenter case series of 11 individuals with PMEs. Then, using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we performed a systematic review on perampanel effect on myoclonus and disability in PMEs. We searched PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar articles on perampanel and PMEs up to June 2020. No prospective trials were found. We reviewed 11 case series manuscripts reporting 104 cases of different PMEs. Results: Here, we are reporting the effectiveness of perampanel in five individuals affected by Unverricht–Lundborg disease, three by Lafora disease, two by sialidosis, and one by an undetermined PME. Nine out of 11 individuals improved their disability related to the action myoclonus (two with Lafora disease did not). Among the 104 persons with PMEs collected by the systematic review, we found that more than half of the patients receiving perampanel exhibited an amelioration of action myoclonus and, consequently, of their independence in daily life activities. The Unverricht–Lundborg disease seemed to show the best clinical response to perampanel, in comparison with the other more severe PMEs. A significant seizure reduction was achieved by almost all persons with active epilepsy. Only 11% of PME patients dropped out due to inefficacy. Conclusions: Perampanel demonstrated a beneficial effect with regard to action myoclonus, disability, and seizures and was well-tolerated in people with PMEs, independently from their genetic diagnosis. Given the limited scientific evidence, broader prospective trials should be encouraged.
gene therapies
2025-08-06 | KCNC1-Related Progressive Myoclonus Epilepsy: A Case Report.
KCNC1-related progressive myoclonus epilepsy (EPM7) is a rare disorder causing seizures, myoclonus, and ataxia. The first reported Iranian case highlights the role of genetic testing in diagnosis and potential future treatments, including gene therapy and novel pharmacological approaches.
small molecules
2025-03-18 | Emerging Therapy Opportunities for Progressive Myoclonus in Epilepsy
Original Article Abstract: Original Article Citation: Feng H, Clatot J, Kaneko K, Flores-Mendez M, Wengert ER, Koutcher C, Hoddeson E, Lopez E, Lee D, Arias L, Liang Q, Zhang X, Somarowthu A, Covarrubias M, Gunthorpe MJ, Large CH, Akizu N, Goldberg EM. Targeted therapy improves cellular dysfunction, ataxia, and seizure susceptibility in a model of a progressive myoclonus epilepsy. Cell Reports Medicine , Volume 5, Issue 2, 2024, 101389. The recurrent variant KCNC1 -p.Arg320His causes progressive myoclonus epilepsy type 7 (EPM7), defined by progressive myoclonus, epilepsy, and ataxia, and is without effective treatment. KCNC1 encodes the voltage-gated potassium channel subunit Kv3.1, specifically expressed in high-frequency-firing neurons. Variant subunits act via loss of function; hence, EPM7 pathogenesis may involve impaired excitability of Kv3.1-expressing neurons, while enhancing Kv3 activity could represent a viable therapeutic strategy. We generate a mouse model, Kcnc1-p.Arg320His/+, which recapitulates the core features of EPM7, including progressive ataxia and seizure susceptibility. Kv3.1-expressing cerebellar granule cells and neocortical parvalbumin-positive GABAergic interneurons exhibit abnormalities consistent with Kv3 channel dysfunction. AKv3-specific positive modulator (AUT00206) selectively enhances the firing frequency of Kv3.1-expressing neurons and improves motor function and seizure susceptibility in Kcnc1-Arg320His/+ mice. This work identifies a cellular and circuit basis of dysfunction in EPM7 and demonstrates that Kv3 positive modulators such as AUT00206 have therapeutic potential for the treatment of EPM7.
2023-07-18 | Potential Benefit of Channel Activators in Loss-of-Function Primary Potassium Channelopathies Causing Heredoataxia.
Potassium channels (KCN) are transmembrane complexes that regulate the resting membrane potential and the duration of action potentials in cells. The opening of KCN brings about an efflux of K+ ions that induces cell repolarization after depolarization, returns the transmembrane potential to its resting state, and enables for continuous spiking ability. The aim of this work was to assess the role of KCN dysfunction in the pathogenesis of hereditary ataxias and the mechanisms of action of KCN opening agents (KCO). In consequence, a review of the ad hoc medical literature was performed. Among hereditary KCN diseases causing ataxia, mutated Kv3.3, Kv4.3, and Kv1.1 channels provoke spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) type 13, SCA19/22, and episodic ataxia type 1 (EA1), respectively. The K+ efflux was found to be reduced in experimental models of these diseases, resulting in abnormally prolonged depolarization and incomplete repolarization, thereby interfering with repetitive discharges in the cells. Hence, substances able to promote normal spiking activity in the cerebellum could provide symptomatic benefit. Although drugs used in clinical practice do not activate Kv3.3 or Kv4.3 directly, available KCO probably could ameliorate ataxic symptoms in SCA13 and SCA19/22, as verified with acetazolamide in EA1, and retigabine in a mouse model of hypokalemic periodic paralysis. To summarize, ataxia could possibly be improved by non-specific KCO in SCA13 and SCA19/22. The identification of new specific KCO agents will undoubtedly constitute a promising therapeutic strategy for these diseases.
2021-03-24 | Perampanel Improves Cortical Myoclonus and Disability in Progressive Myoclonic Epilepsies: A Case Series and a Systematic Review of the Literature
Introduction: Progressive myoclonic epilepsies (PMEs) are a heterogenous group of genetic diseases presenting with epilepsy, cognitive impairment, and severe action myoclonus, which can severely affect daily life activities and independent walking ability. Perampanel is a recent commercially available antiseizure medication with high efficacy against generalized seizures. Some reports supported the role of perampanel in ameliorating action myoclonus in PMEs. Here, we aimed to describe a case series and provide a systematic literature review on perampanel effects on PMEs. Methods: We report the perampanel effectiveness on myoclonus, daily life activities, and seizures on an original Italian multicenter case series of 11 individuals with PMEs. Then, using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we performed a systematic review on perampanel effect on myoclonus and disability in PMEs. We searched PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar articles on perampanel and PMEs up to June 2020. No prospective trials were found. We reviewed 11 case series manuscripts reporting 104 cases of different PMEs. Results: Here, we are reporting the effectiveness of perampanel in five individuals affected by Unverricht–Lundborg disease, three by Lafora disease, two by sialidosis, and one by an undetermined PME. Nine out of 11 individuals improved their disability related to the action myoclonus (two with Lafora disease did not). Among the 104 persons with PMEs collected by the systematic review, we found that more than half of the patients receiving perampanel exhibited an amelioration of action myoclonus and, consequently, of their independence in daily life activities. The Unverricht–Lundborg disease seemed to show the best clinical response to perampanel, in comparison with the other more severe PMEs. A significant seizure reduction was achieved by almost all persons with active epilepsy. Only 11% of PME patients dropped out due to inefficacy. Conclusions: Perampanel demonstrated a beneficial effect with regard to action myoclonus, disability, and seizures and was well-tolerated in people with PMEs, independently from their genetic diagnosis. Given the limited scientific evidence, broader prospective trials should be encouraged.
gene therapies
2025-08-06 | KCNC1-Related Progressive Myoclonus Epilepsy: A Case Report.
KCNC1-related progressive myoclonus epilepsy (EPM7) is a rare disorder causing seizures, myoclonus, and ataxia. The first reported Iranian case highlights the role of genetic testing in diagnosis and potential future treatments, including gene therapy and novel pharmacological approaches.
Access all drug discovery papers and probability of success in trials forecasts:
Access all drug discovery papers and probability of success in trials forecasts:
Drug Discovery Landscape
1 orphan drug designation for Progressive myoclonic epilepsy type 7.
1 orphan drug designation for Progressive myoclonic epilepsy type 7.
Drug | Therapy type | Orphan designation | Clinical trial status | Sponsor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
(5R)-5-ethyl-3-[2-(7-methylspiro[2H-benzofuran-3,1'-cyclopropane]-4-yl)oxypyrimidin-5-yl]imidazolidine-2,4-dione | small molecules | FDA | Autifony Therapeutics Ltd. |
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