New hope for kids with rare epilepsy: first human trial launches

Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.

Inclusion Criteria: * Male or female pediatric participants aged 2-12 years old at screening, with a genetically confirmed diagnosis of Developmental Epileptic Encephalopathy (DEE) due to a pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant in KCNT1 confirmed by central genetic testing. * Stable dose of other regular medications and/or stable antiseizure interventions (such as ketogenic diet and vagal nerve stimulation). Exclusion Criteria: * Other clinical phenotypes associated with pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants in KCNT1 other than Epilepsy of Infancy with Migrating Focal Seizures or Early-Onset Epileptic Encephalopathy * Documented pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants in any other gene known to cause epilepsy identified through prior genetic testing. Variants of uncertain significance in other genes known to cause epilepsy may be considered on discussion with the sponsor. * Clinically significant medical history or clinical findings on physical examination, other than DEE, that in the judgment of the investigator, make the participant unsuitable for participation in the study and/or completion of the trial procedures, including, but not limited to: * Clinically significant prior or ongoing medical conditions within 30 days of the screening visit, as per investigator judgement. * Clinically significant abnormality on Electrocardiogram (ECG) at the screening visit, as per investigator judgement. * Clinically significant abnormality on laboratory testing at screening, including, but not limited to: * Renal insufficiency, which is defined as creatinine clearance \< 40 mL/min assessed as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) using Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) formula * Hepatic derangement defined as transaminase values more than 3 times the Upper Limit of Normal (ULN) range, or total bilirubin values more than 1.5 times the ULN. * Positive hepatitis B surface antigen test, positive hepatitis C antibody test, positive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), as reported by a laboratory test within 6 months prior to the screening visit, or on screening bloods. * Bone, spine, bleeding disorders, or other disorder that exposes the participant to risk of injury or unsuccessful Lumbar puncture (e.g., haemophilia, Von Willebrand's disease, liver disease). * Contraindications to undergoing Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Lumbar puncture procedure and Intrathecal administration. * History of Central Nervous System (CNS) tumors or malignancies, including CNS metastatic disease. * Continuous respiratory support, defined as oxygen supplementation or non-invasive ventilation (e.g.: continuous positive airway pressure, bi-level intermittent positive airway pressure), required during waking hours. This does not include suctioning; cough assist devices or other devices that may be used regularly to clear airways. * Invasive ventilation including the presence of a tracheostomy. * Use of quinidine within 30 days prior to the screening visit. * Current use or anticipated use of antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy during the study. * Current or past enrolment in an interventional clinical study in which an investigational therapy is/was administered within 30 days (or 5 half-lives of study agent, whichever is longer) prior to the screening visit. * Implantable CNS device that may interfere with the ability to administer the study drug via Lumbar puncture. * Known hypersensitivity to any oligonucleotide, as demonstrated by a systemic allergic reaction (e.g., changes in pulse, blood pressure, breathing function, etc.), or any other drug that in the opinion of the investigator may preclude study participation. * History of hydrocephalus requiring a ventriculoperitoneal shunt.