CBD Reduced Seizures by 45-87% Over Nearly Three Years in Treatment-Resistant Focal Epilepsy

CBD treatment was associated with median reductions of 51-87% in focal seizures and 44-87% in total seizures in the TSC group, and 46-75% and 45-71% in the non-TSC group, sustained through 144 weeks. Responder rates were similar between groups. Adverse events occurred in 91% of TSC and 96% of non-TSC patients. Median CBD dose was about 23-25 mg/kg/day.

Open-label expanded access program following 140 patients with treatment-resistant focal epilepsies (33 with TSC, 107 with other focal epilepsies) receiving plant-derived CBD (Epidiolex) at doses up to 25-50 mg/kg/day for up to 144 weeks.

While CBD (Epidiolex) is FDA-approved for certain epilepsy syndromes including TSC, its effectiveness in non-TSC focal epilepsies has been less documented. This study shows sustained long-term benefit across multiple types of focal epilepsy, potentially expanding the clinical applications of CBD.

This long-term data strengthens the case for CBD as a treatment option beyond its currently approved epilepsy indications. The similar effectiveness across different focal epilepsy types suggests the anticonvulsant mechanism may be broadly applicable rather than specific to certain epilepsy syndromes.

Open-label study without placebo control, so the magnitude of benefit may be overestimated. Expanded access population may have different characteristics than typical patients. High adverse event rates, though many AEs may be related to concomitant medications. Dropout over 144 weeks may create survivorship bias.