Saniona AB (publ) announced that it marks a significant epilepsy pipeline milestone by selecting SAN2355 as the first clinical candidate from its Kv7 epilepsy program. SAN2355, a subtype-selective activator of Kv7.2/Kv7.3 channels, represents a promising new generation of effective and well-tolerated epilepsy medicines. Having successfully passed critical candidate selection steps and secured a favorable opinion from the European Patent Office (EPO), Saniona is poised to advance SAN2355 into the preclinical development phase.

Epilepsy, a brain disorder characterized by recurrent seizures, affects millions of people worldwide. Approximately 30% of patients are unresponsive to current medicines, emphasizing a substantial unmet need in the field. Kv7 channels play a crucial role in mediating potassium ion transport across the cell membrane of neurons, reducing the likelihood of generating uncontrolled bursts of nerve impulses.

The Kv7 channel family comprises five subtypes, with channels consisting of Kv7.2 and Kv7.3 subunits selectively expressed in the brain. Activators of Kv7.2 and Kv7.3 channels effectively dampen overactive neurons, aiding in the prevention of epileptic seizures. Mutations in the Kv7.2 and Kv7.3 subunits are the second most common cause of inherited, severe childhood epilepsies, underscoring the importance of Kv7.2/Kv7.3 channels in controlling nerve cell activity.

The non-selective Kv7 activator retigabine has provided clinical and commercial proof-of-concept for treating patients with resistant focal onset seizures. However, it has been withdrawn from the market due to compound-specific and non-target-related side effects.