Pharmacokinetics and safety of brivaracetam in neonates with repeated electroencephalographic seizures: A multicenter, open‐label, single‐arm study

To evaluate the pharmacokinetics (PK), safety, and tolerability of brivaracetam (BRV) in neonates with repeated electroencephalographic seizures not controlled with previous antiseizure medications (ASMs). Phase 2/3, multicenter, open-label, single-arm study (N01349/NCT03325439) in neonates with repeated electroencephalographic seizures (lasting ≥10 s) confirmed by video-electroencephalography, and inadequate seizure control with at least one ASM. A screening period (up to 36 h) was followed by a 48-h evaluation period during which patients received 0.5 mg/kg BRV twice daily (b.i.d) intravenously (IV). Patients who benefitted from BRV (investigator's opinion) could continue 0.5 mg/kg b.i.d (IV or oral solution) in an extension period. Outcomes included plasma concentrations of BRV following the first dose (primary), and incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs). Six patients (median [range] postnatal age: 1.5 [1.0, 6.0] days) received ≥1 dose of BRV. All six patients completed the evaluation period; two entered and completed the extension period. Overall (evaluation and extension periods), three patients received one dose of 0.5 mg/kg BRV and three received more than one dose. The median (range) duration of exposure to BRV (IV and oral solution) was 1.5 (1.0, 29.0) days (n = 6). At 0.5-1, 2-4, and 8-12 h following IV BRV administration, the GeoMean (GeoCV) plasma concentrations of BRV were 0.53 mg/L (15.40% [n = 5]), 0.50 mg/L (28.20% [n = 6]), and 0.34 mg/L (13.20% [n = 5]), respectively. Individual and population BRV PK profiles were estimated, and individual PK parameters were calculated using Bayesian feedback. The observed concentrations were consistent with the predicted PK. Three patients experienced four TEAEs, none of which were considered related to BRV. BRV plasma concentrations in neonates were consistent with data in older children receiving BRV oral solution, and with data from adults receiving a nominal IV dose of 25 mg b.i.d. BRV was well tolerated, with no drug-related TEAEs reported. Few drugs are available to treat seizures in newborn babies. Brivaracetam is approved to treat focal-onset seizures in children and adults in Europe (patients 2 years of age and older) and the United States (patients 1 month of age or older). In this study, six newborns with repeated seizures were treated with intravenous brivaracetam. The study doctors took samples of blood from the newborns and measured the levels of brivaracetam. The concentrations of brivaracetam in the newborns' blood plasma were consistent with data from studies in older children and in adults. No brivaracetam-related medical problems were reported.