A randomized, double-blind trial of triheptanoin for drug-resistant epilepsy in glucose transporter 1 deficiency syndrome

Epilepsia. 2022 Jul;63(7):1748-1760. doi: 10.1111/epi.17263. Epub 2022 May 21.

Abstract

Objective: This study was undertaken to evaluate efficacy and long-term safety of triheptanoin in patients >1 year old, not on a ketogenic diet, with drug-resistant seizures associated with glucose transporter 1 deficiency syndrome (Glut1DS).

Methods: UX007G-CL201 was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Following a 6-week baseline period, eligible patients were randomized 3:1 to triheptanoin or placebo. Dosing was titrated to 35% of total daily calories over 2 weeks. After an 8-week placebo-controlled period, all patients received open-label triheptanoin through Week 52.

Results: The study included 36 patients (15 children, 13 adolescents, eight adults). A median 12.6% reduction in overall seizure frequency was observed in the triheptanoin arm relative to baseline, and a 13.5% difference was observed relative to placebo (p = .58). In patients with absence seizures only (n = 9), a median 62.2% reduction in seizure frequency was observed in the triheptanoin arm relative to baseline. Only one patient with absence seizures only was present in the control group, preventing comparison. No statistically significant differences in seizure frequency were observed. Common treatment-emergent adverse events included diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and nausea, mostly mild or moderate in severity. No serious adverse events were considered to be treatment related. One patient discontinued due to status epilepticus.

Significance: Triheptanoin did not significantly reduce seizure frequency in patients with Glut1DS not on the ketogenic diet. Treatment was associated with mild to moderate gastrointestinal treatment-related events; most resolved following dose reduction or interruption and/or medication for treatment. Triheptanoin was not associated with any long-term safety concerns when administered at dose levels up to 35% of total daily caloric intake for up to 1 year.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01993186.

Keywords: diet treatment; drug resistance; epilepsy; glucose transporter 1 deficiency syndrome; triheptanoin.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Anticonvulsants / therapeutic use
  • Carbohydrate Metabolism, Inborn Errors
  • Child
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Drug Resistant Epilepsy* / drug therapy
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Epilepsy, Absence* / drug therapy
  • Glucose Transporter Type 1 / genetics
  • Humans
  • Monosaccharide Transport Proteins / deficiency
  • Seizures / drug therapy
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Triglycerides* / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants
  • Glucose Transporter Type 1
  • Monosaccharide Transport Proteins
  • Triglycerides
  • triheptanoin

Supplementary concepts

  • Glut1 Deficiency Syndrome

Associated data

  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT01993186
  • EudraCT/EudraCT 2013–003771–35