Name: Azetukalner (XEN1101) in Focal onset seizures: Long-term morbidity
Published: 2026-09-21T21:41:53-04:00

Product information and disease description Place of product in therapy Disease description

Long-term morbidity

6 evidence topics · 3 sources

Comorbidity burden in adults with active epilepsy

“Approximately 50% of adults with active epilepsy have one or more comorbid conditions, with several conditions, such as depression, anxiety, dementia, migraine, heart disease, peptic ulcers, and arthritis being eight times more common in people with epilepsy compared to the general population” (opens the source at this quote in a new tab)
“Among people with intellectual disability, approximately one in five will also have epilepsy, with prevalence increasing with increasing severity of the intellectual disability” (opens the source at this quote in a new tab)

Accelerated brain ageing and cognitive decline in drug-resistant epilepsy

“A study found that people with DRE presented a difference between predicted brain age and chronological age that was on average 4.5 years older than healthy controls” (opens the source at this quote in a new tab)
“DRE is related to cognitive decline, and this phenomenon has been conceptualized as accelerated cognitive ageing” (opens the source at this quote in a new tab)

Seizure-related injury in refractory focal epilepsy

“Another US study found that hospitalization and pharmacy costs in people with focal seizures were twice as high in the refractory cohort versus the nonrefractory cohort. This was mainly due to the higher prevalence of injuries, including fractures, sprains and strains, and wounds” (opens the source at this quote in a new tab)
“People may injure themselves during a seizure resulting in fractures, head injury, sprains, and open wounds” (opens the source at this quote in a new tab)

Employment and unemployment

“Unemployment and underemployment are markedly more common in PwE compared with the general population.” (opens the source at this quote in a new tab)
“Unemployment rates range from similar to twice or three times the rates of the general population, depending on the countries and years examined.” (opens the source at this quote in a new tab)
“Developing specific legislation and programs to include PwE in the workplace could help their social integration.” (opens the source at this quote in a new tab)

Unemployment in drug-resistant focal seizures

“Among people with drug-resistant focal seizures in Europe, high unemployment rates have been shown compared to a matched control population (46% vs. 19%)” (opens the source at this quote in a new tab)
“Productivity loss and unemployment among people with epilepsy are the primary sources of the individual and societal burden” (opens the source at this quote in a new tab)

Driving restrictions

“This consensus statement recommends that in order to be able to drive PWE should have a SFI of at least 3 months, but PWE with focal aware seizures, consistent and prolonged auras, or nocturnal seizures may still drive on a case-by-case basis.” (opens the source at this quote in a new tab)
“Due to unique state laws and variable physician awareness regarding these, patients may receive the wrong advice regarding driving.” (opens the source at this quote in a new tab)