CClinicalTrials.gg
CompletedNCT06597084Updated May 2, 2025Results posted

Anti-epileptogenic Effects of Eslicarbazepine Acetate

A Phase 2 interventional study of ESL 800 mg and Placebo in Post Stroke Epilepsy, sponsored by Bial - Portela C S.A.. Completed at 22 sites in 9 countries. Open to participants aged 18 Years and older. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2025-05-02.

Sponsored by Bial - Portela C S.A. · Phase 2, Interventional, and Treatment

Phase
Phase 2
Study type
Interventional
Enrollment
129
Allocation
Randomized
Ages
18 Years and older
Sex
All
01

Study summary

This study aims to assess if eslicarbazepine acetate (ESL) treatment (started within 96 hours after stroke occurrence and continued for 30 days) changes the incidence of unprovoked seizures (USs) within the first 6 months after randomisation as compared to placebo

Read the detailed description

This is a multicentre, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial in patients with acute intracerebral haemorrhage with a Cortical involvement, Age \<65 years, Volume of intracerebral haemorrhage > 10 ml and Early seizure within 7 days after intracerebral haemorrhage (CAVE) score ≥ 3 or an acute ischaemic stroke with a SeLECT score ≥ 6.

At the first visit (screening/baseline, V1a), patients will undergo several examinations to check eligibility. The next visit (V1b) has to be performed within 96 hours after primary stroke occurrence. After eligibility has been confirmed, patients will be randomised (randomisation ratio 1:1) to treatment with ESL 800 mg (Group A) or placebo (Group B).

Patients will start treatment with the investigational medicinal product (IMP), i.e. ESL or placebo, within 96 hours after primary stroke occurrence at V1b. They will continue treatment until Day 30 after randomisation and then be tapered off. Thereafter, patients will be followed up until 18 months after randomisation. Patients can concomitantly receive antiepileptic therapies, except commercially available ESL or oxcarbazepine, until Day 30.

Concomitant antiepileptic therapies have to be discontinued and down-titration has to be started according to the respective Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC). If the antiepileptic drugs (AEDs)/benzodiazepine are not already discontinued before, downtitration must be started on Day 31 at the latest.

If one or more AS(s) occur(s) within 7 days after primary stroke, this will not result in change of IMP dose. Patients having a first US will discontinue IMP treatment and will be treated at the discretion of the investigator until 18 months after randomisation, except with commercially available ESL.

Further visits will be performed 7 days (V2, on-site), 37 days (V3, on-site), 12 weeks (V4, telephone), 26 weeks (V5, on-site), 38 weeks (V6, telephone), 52 weeks (V7, on-site), 64 weeks (V8, telephone) and 78 weeks (End of Trial (EoT) visit, on-site) after V1b.

02

Conditions studied

  • Post Stroke Epilepsy

Keywords

  • Prophylaxis
  • Post-stroke
  • Epilepsy
  • BIA 2-093
  • Unprovoked seizures
  • Eslicarbazepine acetate
  • Anti-epileptogenic
  • Bial - Portela & Ca, S.A.
03

Who can participate

Ages eligible
18 Years and older
Sexes eligible
All
Accepts healthy volunteers
No

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

Patients must meet ALL of the following criteria:

  1. Male or female patient aged 18 years or above;
  2. Acute intracerebral haemorrhage with a CAVE score ≥ 3 or acute ischaemic stroke with a SeLECT score ≥ 6, in each case confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)/computed tomography (CT).
  3. Time of stroke occurrence is known and V1b is planned within 96 hours.
  4. Brain scan analysis has reliably excluded structural brain lesions that can mimic stroke, e.g. cerebral tumour or brain abscess, etc.
  5. a. Patient is able to give informed consent and to write and has signed written informed consent OR b. Patient is able to give informed consent, but unable to write and has provided verbal witnessed consent OR c. Patient is unable to give informed consent, but likely to regain this ability until V2, and the informed consent is deferred OR d. Patient is unable to give informed consent, but likely to regain this ability until V2, and patient's legal representative (according to the respective national/local requirements) has provided written informed consent.
  6. Female patients without childbearing potential (2 years postmenopausal, bilateral oophorectomy or tubal ligation, or complete hysterectomy) are eligible. Female patients with childbearing potential must not be pregnant as confirmed by a negative pregnancy test and sexually active females must use a medically acceptable effective nonhormonal method of contraception up to the end of the current menstrual cycle after stopping treatment. Acceptable methods for women are surgical intervention (e.g. bilateral tubal occlusion), intrauterine device, double-barrier methods, true sexual abstinence (i.e. when this is in line with the preferred and usual lifestyle of the patient) and vasectomised male partner, provided that he is the sole partner of that patient. Periodic abstinence (e.g., calendar, ovulation, symptothermal, post-ovulation methods) and withdrawal are not acceptable methods of contraception.

    Inclusion criteria at V1b

  7. V1b is within 96 hours after stroke occurrence. Inclusion criteria at V2 (only applicable for patients who were unable to give informed consent at V1a.)
  8. a. Patient is able to give informed consent and to write and has signed a written informed consent OR b. Patient is able to give informed consent, but unable to write and has provided verbal witnessed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

Patients are to be excluded from the trial for ANY ONE of the following reasons:

  1. Contraindication to ESL, i.e. known hypersensitivity to ingredients of ESL formulation or other carboxamide derivatives (e.g., oxcarbazepine, carbamazepine), or second or third degree atrioventricular (AV) block not corrected with a permanent pacemaker.
  2. Known Han Chinese or Thai ancestry.
  3. History of previous stroke (other than the one described in inclusion criteria no. 2 - 3).
  4. Sinus venous thrombosis.
  5. Spontaneous sub-arachnoid haemorrhage due to e.g. aneurysmatic or arteriovenous malformation.
  6. History of USs prior to primary stroke.
  7. Impaired pre-stroke level of function, i.e. modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score > 3 prior to first stroke occurrence.
  8. History of AED use before primary stroke within the last 5 years as defined in the list of not allowed AEDs.
  9. Use of ESL, unless provided as IMP of this trial, and oxcarbazepine.
  10. Severe hepatic impairment.
  11. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) \< 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 (measured at V1a).
  12. Known or suspected acute or chronic alcoholism, delirium tremens, or toxic psychosis.
  13. History of suicidal ideation or suicide attempt within the past 3 years.
  14. Presence of any other significant or progressive/unstable medical condition that, in the opinion of the investigator, would compromise evaluation of the trial treatment or may jeopardise the patient's safety, compliance or adherence to protocol requirements, such as significant psychiatric, cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic, endocrine, haematologic, infectious or neurological disease.
  15. For women: Pregnancy or breast-feeding.
  16. Previous enrolment in this trial or participation in any other investigational drug trial within the past 30 days (or 5 half-lives of IMP whichever is longer) prior to V1a.
  17. Persons committed to an institution by virtue of an order issued either by the judicial or other authorities.
  18. Employees of the investigator or trial centre, with direct involvement in the proposed trial or other studies under the direction of that investigator or trial centre, as well as family members of the employees or the investigator.
04

Study design

Phase
Phase 2
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomized
Intervention model
Parallel assignment
Masking
Triple (Participant, Investigator, Outcomes assessor)
Enrollment
129 participants (actual)

Study arms

  • Experimental
    Group A

    ESL 800 mg

    Drug: ESL 800 mg

  • Placebo comparator
    Group B

    Placebo

    Drug: Placebo

Interventions

  • DrugESL 800 mg

    800 mg ESL tablets for oral administration. In case a patient is unable to swallow the whole tablet, the tablet can be crushed or divided into equal doses at the score line.

    Also known as: Eslicarbazepine acetate, BIA 2-093

  • DrugPlacebo

    Placebo tablets for oral administration, matching the test product. In case a patient is unable to swallow the whole tablet, the tablet can be crushed or divided into equal doses at the score line.

05

What researchers measure

Primary outcomes

  1. Proportion of Patients Who Experience the First Unprovoked Seizures (US) Within the First 6 Months After Randomisation (Failure Rate)

    Deaths before the first US or patients without evaluable assessment of the primary endpoint will be counted as treatment failures. To show that ESL (Group A) is superior to placebo (Group B), the primary null hypothesis will be tested against the alternative hypothesis

    Time frame: First 6 months after randomisation

Secondary outcomes

  1. Proportion of Patients Who Experience the First US During the First 12 Months After Randomisation

    Deaths before the first US or patients without evaluable assessment of the primary endpoint will be counted as treatment failures. To show that ESL (Group A) is superior to placebo (Group B), the primary null hypothesis will be tested against the alternative hypothesis

    Time frame: First 12 months after randomisation

  2. Proportion of Patients Who Experience the First US During the Course of the Trial

    Deaths before the first US or patients without evaluable assessment of the primary endpoint will be counted as treatment failures. To show that ESL (Group A) is superior to placebo (Group B), the primary null hypothesis will be tested against the alternative hypothesis

    Time frame: Until 18 months after randomisation

  3. Number of Acute Symptomatic Seizure (ASS)

    Number of ASSs will be summarised by means of descriptive statistics

    Time frame: During the first 7 days after stroke

  4. Probability of Failure at 6, 12, and 18 Months After Randomization

    The time to first US after randomisation will be analysed and presented by means of the Kaplan-Meier estimate after 6, 12 and 18 months for the failure time. The time to first US will be analysed from the day of randomisation.

    Time frame: Over 18 months follow-up period

  5. Time to First US After Stroke Occurrence.

    Analysis of time to first US will be performed using the day of stroke (before randomisation) as Day 1. The secondary objective and endpoint "Time to first US after stroke occurrence" was decided to be deleted as it is closely related to the forth secondary endpoint "Time to first US after randomisation" and therefore would not really have any additional value.

    Time frame: Over 18 months follow-up period

  6. Number and 4-week Rate of USs (4-week Rate of USs Was Omitted With SAP, Final Version 1.0, 22 NOV 2023).

    The total number and rate of USs, standardised per 4 weeks, in all patients and in patients with US(s) only will be summarised by means of descriptive statistics. The secondary objective and endpoint "4-week rate of USs" was decided to be deleted as this information will not be meaningful for this trial.

    Time frame: Over 18 months follow-up period

  7. Barthel Index (BI) Original 10-item Version

    The Barthel Index at baseline and post-baseline visits of each patient will be calculated adding the individual scores from each item. Baseline is the value assessed before first IMP intake. Endpoint is the last non-missing value collected after the first IMP intake. The BI is a widely used score to measure the performance in activities of daily living of patients with stroke and other neuromuscular or musculoskeletal disorders in the following 10 categories: 1. Feeding (scored as 0, 5, 10) 2. Moving from a wheelchair to a bed and back again (scored as 0, 5, 10, 15) 3. Personal hygiene (scored as 0, 5) 4. Getting on and off the toilet (scored as 0, 5, 10) 5. Self-bathing (scored as 0, 5) 6. Walking on a level surface (scored as 0, 5, 10, 15) 7. Ascending and descending stairs (scored as 0, 5, 10) 8. Dressing (scored as 0, 5, 10) 9. Controlling bowels (scored as 0, 5, 10) 10. Controlling bladder (scored as 0, 5, 10) The minimum value means with help and maximum independent

    Time frame: Barthel Index data is collected at Baseline, V3 (+37 days), V5 (+26 weeks), V7 (+52 weeks), End of trial visit (EOT, +78 weeks) or Early discontinuation visit (EDV, on average 30 days), and Endpoint (18 months).

  8. National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS)

    The NIHSS is a systematic assessment tool that provides a quantitative measure of stroke-related neurologic deficits. The following questions will be asked: 1a. Level of Consciousness (LOC) (scored as 0, 1, 2, 3) 1b. LOC Questions (scored as 0, 1, 2) 1c. LOC Commands (scored as 0, 1, 2) 2. Best Gaze (scored as 0, 1, 2) 3. Visual (scored as 0, 1, 2, 3) 4. Facial Palsy (scored as 0, 1, 2, 3) 5a. Motor Arm (Left Arm) (scored as 0, 1, 2, 3, 4) 5b. Motor Arm (Right Arm) (scored as 0, 1, 2, 3, 4) 6a. Motor Leg (Left Leg) (scored as 0, 1, 2, 3, 4) 6b. Motor Right (Right Leg) (scored as 0, 1, 2, 3, 4) 7. Limb Ataxia (scored as 0, 1, 2) 8. Sensory (scored as 0, 1, 2) 9. Best Language (scored as 0, 1, 2, 3) 10. Dysarthria (scored as 0, 1, 2) 11. Extinction and Inattention (formerly Neglect) (scored as 0, 1, 2) The sum of all 15 individual scores will provide the patient's total NIHSS score where 0 is "no stroke symptoms" and 42 is "severe stroke".

    Time frame: National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) data is collected at Baseline, V3 (+37 days), V5 (+26 weeks), V7 (+52 weeks), End of trial visit (EOT, +78 weeks) or Early discontinuation visit (EDV, on average 30 days), and Endpoint (18 months).

  9. Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9)

    The PHQ-9 can be used for screening, diagnosing and measuring the severity of depression in stroke patients. The patient will rate on a scale from 0 (not at all) to 3 (nearly every day) how often each of the 9 symptoms occurred during the past 2 weeks. The individual scores from each item of the PHQ-9 will be added to calculate the total PHQ-9 score for each time of examination.

    Time frame: Over 18 months follow-up period

  10. Overall Survival at 6, 12, and 18 Months After Randomization

    Overall survival (time to death relative to the date of randomization) will be analysed and presented by means of the Kaplan-Meier estimates (including censored data e.g. withdrawals) after 6 months (Day 182), 12 months (Day 365) and 18 months (Day 547) for the survival rates.

    Time frame: Over 18 months follow-up period

  11. Treatment Emergent Adverse Events (TEAEs) Incl. Findings From Physical and Neurological Examinations

    Adverse events (AEs) not considered treatment-emergent according to this definition or with missing data will be medically reviewed during the data review meeting and will be considered treatment emergent if appropriate

    Time frame: Over 18 months follow-up period

  12. Clinically Significant Haematology Abnormalities

    Based on haemoglobin, haematocrit, red blood cell count (RBC), white blood cell count (WBC), differential - neutrophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes, monocytes and basophils, and platelet count. All laboratory values will be classified as normal or abnormal according to the laboratories normal ranges and as clinically significant according to the assessment of the investigator. For these tests, approximately 12 mL of blood will be collected at each blood withdrawal.

    Time frame: Over 18 months follow-up period

  13. Clinically Significant Biochemistry Abnormalities, Including eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) and Coagulation

    The biochemistry analysis is based on sodium (will be monitored for signs of hyponatraemia), potassium, chloride, calcium, phosphate, blood urea nitrogen, aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phosphatase, creatine phosphokinase (CPK), creatinine, glucose, C-reactive protein, albumin, total protein, total cholesterol, low-density lipoproteincholesterol, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, triglycerides, and total bilirubin (bilirubin will be fractionated direct/indirect if elevated). eGFR will be estimated based on serum creatinine value using the according CKD-EPI formula using age, sex and race. Coagulation is based on international normalised ratio and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). All laboratory values will be classified as normal or abnormal according to the laboratories normal ranges and as clinically significant according to the assessment of the investigator.

    Time frame: Over 18 months follow-up period

  14. Clinically Significant Urinalysis Abnormalities

    The urinalysis is based on pH, specific gravity, protein, blood, glucose, ketones, bilirubin, urobilinogen (local dipstick). Microscopy and other appropriate tests (as needed) will be performed if dipstick indicates any significant abnormality. All laboratory values will be classified as normal or abnormal according to the laboratories normal ranges and as clinically significant according to the assessment of the investigator.

    Time frame: Over 18 months follow-up period

  15. Clinically Significant Vital Sign Abnormalities: Blood Pressure

    The systolic and diastolic blood pressure (mmHg) were to be measured after the patient had rested for at least 5 minutes. Painful procedures, like drawing blood, had to be performed after vital signs measurements (not before). The analyses of variables for vital sign parameters will focus on the evaluation of the change from baseline to the scheduled time points after baseline. Descriptive statistics of the time course and of changes from baseline to each post-baseline time point will be presented by treatment group.

    Time frame: Over 18 months follow-up period

  16. Clinically Significant Vital Sign Abnormalities: Heart Rate

    The Heart Rate (bpm) were to be measured after the patient had rested for at least 5 minutes. Painful procedures, like drawing blood, had to be performed after vital signs measurements (not before). The analyses of variables for vital sign parameters will focus on the evaluation of the change from baseline to the scheduled time points after baseline. Descriptive statistics of the time course and of changes from baseline to each post-baseline time point will be presented by treatment group.

    Time frame: Over 18 months follow-up period

  17. Electrocardiogram (ECG)

    The ECG equipment is to be calibrated to 1 cm/mV and recording is to be done at 25 mm/sec and performed for a minimum of 10 sec. At V1a the investigator should examine the ECG for signs of cardiac disease that should exclude the patient from the trial. An assessment of normal or abnormal will be recorded and if the ECG abnormality is considered clinically significant, the abnormality will be documented in the electronic case report form (eCRF). If an ECG was done after primary stroke, the results should be used and the examination does not need to be repeated at V1a. After each recording of a simultaneous 12-lead resting ECG, a copy of the originally printed ECG records will be printed, assessed and filed by the investigator, in order to ensure that maintenance of the data will not be affected by thermolability of the paper.

    Time frame: A standard 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) is performed at Baseline, V2 (+7 days), V3 (+37 days), Early discontinuation visit (if EDV performed before V3, on average 30 days).

  18. Suicidal Ideation and Behaviour, Assessed by PHQ-9 (Question 9)

    The individual scores from each item of the PHQ-9 will be added to calculate the total PHQ-9 score for each time of examination.Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by any of the following problems? 1. Little interest or pleasure in doing things 2. Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless 3. Trouble falling or staying asleep, or sleeping too much 4. Feeling tired or having little energy 5. Poor appetite or overeating 6. Feeling bad about yourself - or that you are a failure or have let yourself or your family down 7. Trouble concentrating on things, such as reading the newspaper or watching television 8. Moving or speaking so slowly that other could have noticed. Or the opposite - being so fidgety or restless that you have been moving around a lot more than usual 9. Thoughts that you would be better off dead or of hurting yourself in some way The individual scores from each item of the PHQ-9 will be added to calculate the total PHQ-9 score for each time of examination.

    Time frame: The PHQ-9 will be collected at Baseline, V3 (+37 Days), V5 (+26 weeks), V7 (+52 weeks), End of trial visit (EOT, +78 weeks) or Early discontinuation visit (if EDV performed before V3, on average 30 days), and Endpoint (18 months).

  19. Number of Participants With and Without Seizures Based on Electroencephalogram (EEG)

    Routine EEG assessment (standard 10-20 set of electrodes, digital recording with 256 Hz sampling rate) for a minimum of 20 min will be performed at the discretion of the investigator. The EEG will be performed as exploratory analysis to support the development of a predictor for the development of post-stroke epilepsy and is therefore an optional assessment. All EEG analyses will be presented for the EEG analysis subset (all patients in the full analysis set with a baseline and a post-baseline EEG recording available). EEG parameters will be evaluated exploratively using descriptive statistics. For this outcome was decided that results would be possibly explored in an manuscript.

    Time frame: Two recordings were provided: one carried out before in the initial phase of enrollment into the trial at V1a (< 96 hours) and the second one after termination of eslicarpazepine acetate intake (EOT, +78 weeks).

06

Results

Posted May 2, 2025

Participant flow

Participant flow — Overall Study
MilestoneGroup AGroup B
Started6263
Safety set6162
Full analysis set6162
Electroencephalogram (eeg) analysis subset3134
Completed4341
Not completed1922
Withdrew: Withdrawal by subject49
Withdrew: Consent was not given by the patient until v203
Withdrew: Physician decision10
Withdrew: Adverse event32
Withdrew: Death40
Withdrew: Stroke more than 7 days after primary stroke26
Withdrew: Lost to follow-up42
Withdrew: Other. not specified10

Outcome measures

PrimaryProportion of Patients Who Experience the First Unprovoked Seizures (US) Within the First 6 Months After Randomisation (Failure Rate)

Deaths before the first US or patients without evaluable assessment of the primary endpoint will be counted as treatment failures. To show that ESL (Group A) is superior to placebo (Group B), the primary null hypothesis will be tested against the alternative hypothesis

Time frame:
First 6 months after randomisation
Reported as:
Count of participants · Participants
Proportion of Patients Who Experience the First Unprovoked Seizures (US) Within the First 6 Months After Randomisation (Failure Rate)
ParticipantsGroup AGroup B
Failures - Unprovoked seizure27
Failures - Death30
Failures - Withdrawn1216
Non-failures4439
SecondaryProportion of Patients Who Experience the First US During the First 12 Months After Randomisation

Deaths before the first US or patients without evaluable assessment of the primary endpoint will be counted as treatment failures. To show that ESL (Group A) is superior to placebo (Group B), the primary null hypothesis will be tested against the alternative hypothesis

Time frame:
First 12 months after randomisation
Reported as:
Count of participants · Participants
Proportion of Patients Who Experience the First US During the First 12 Months After Randomisation
ParticipantsGroup AGroup B
Failures - Unprovoked seizure38
Failures - Death30
Failures - Withdrawn1318
Non-failures4236
SecondaryProportion of Patients Who Experience the First US During the Course of the Trial

Deaths before the first US or patients without evaluable assessment of the primary endpoint will be counted as treatment failures. To show that ESL (Group A) is superior to placebo (Group B), the primary null hypothesis will be tested against the alternative hypothesis

Time frame:
Until 18 months after randomisation
Reported as:
Count of participants · Participants
Proportion of Patients Who Experience the First US During the Course of the Trial
ParticipantsGroup AGroup B
Failures - Unprovoked seizure59
Failures - Death40
Failures - Withdrawn1418
Non-failures3835
SecondaryNumber of Acute Symptomatic Seizure (ASS)

Number of ASSs will be summarised by means of descriptive statistics

Time frame:
During the first 7 days after stroke
Reported as:
Count of participants · Participants
Number of Acute Symptomatic Seizure (ASS)
ParticipantsGroup AGroup B
Patients without an ASS5147
Patients with at least one ASS1015
SecondaryProbability of Failure at 6, 12, and 18 Months After Randomization

The time to first US after randomisation will be analysed and presented by means of the Kaplan-Meier estimate after 6, 12 and 18 months for the failure time. The time to first US will be analysed from the day of randomisation.

Time frame:
Over 18 months follow-up period
Reported as:
Number · Percentage of failure
Probability of Failure at 6, 12, and 18 Months After Randomization
Percentage of failureGroup AGroup B
Kaplan - Meier failure probability estimate at Month 6 (Day 182)3.5014.55
Kaplan - Meier failure probability estimate at Month 12 (Day 365)5.7416.86
Kaplan - Meier failure probability estimate at Month 18 (Day 547)10.3419.17
Statistical analysis
  • Group A vs Group B · Log Rank · p = 0.2081 · Percentiles of time to first us: 92 · 95% CI 25 to 95
SecondaryTime to First US After Stroke Occurrence.

Analysis of time to first US will be performed using the day of stroke (before randomisation) as Day 1. The secondary objective and endpoint "Time to first US after stroke occurrence" was decided to be deleted as it is closely related to the forth secondary endpoint "Time to first US after randomisation" and therefore would not really have any additional value.

Time frame:
Over 18 months follow-up period

No measurements were reported for this outcome.

SecondaryNumber and 4-week Rate of USs (4-week Rate of USs Was Omitted With SAP, Final Version 1.0, 22 NOV 2023).

The total number and rate of USs, standardised per 4 weeks, in all patients and in patients with US(s) only will be summarised by means of descriptive statistics. The secondary objective and endpoint "4-week rate of USs" was decided to be deleted as this information will not be meaningful for this trial.

Time frame:
Over 18 months follow-up period

No measurements were reported for this outcome.

SecondaryBarthel Index (BI) Original 10-item Version

The Barthel Index at baseline and post-baseline visits of each patient will be calculated adding the individual scores from each item. Baseline is the value assessed before first IMP intake. Endpoint is the last non-missing value collected after the first IMP intake. The BI is a widely used score to measure the performance in activities of daily living of patients with stroke and other neuromuscular or musculoskeletal disorders in the following 10 categories: 1. Feeding (scored as 0, 5, 10) 2. Moving from a wheelchair to a bed and back again (scored as 0, 5, 10, 15) 3. Personal hygiene (scored as 0, 5) 4. Getting on and off the toilet (scored as 0, 5, 10) 5. Self-bathing (scored as 0, 5) 6. Walking on a level surface (scored as 0, 5, 10, 15) 7. Ascending and descending stairs (scored as 0, 5, 10) 8. Dressing (scored as 0, 5, 10) 9. Controlling bowels (scored as 0, 5, 10) 10. Controlling bladder (scored as 0, 5, 10) The minimum value means with help and maximum independent

Time frame:
Barthel Index data is collected at Baseline, V3 (+37 days), V5 (+26 weeks), V7 (+52 weeks), End of trial visit (EOT, +78 weeks) or Early discontinuation visit (EDV, on average 30 days), and Endpoint (18 months).
Reported as:
Mean · Score on a scale
Barthel Index (BI) Original 10-item Version
Score on a scaleGroup AGroup B
Baseline - Observed Value66.1 (0 to 100)61.9 (0 to 100)
V3 - Observed Value85.5 (0 to 100)87.2 (0 to 100)
V5 - Observed Value94.3 (0 to 100)95.7 (0 to 100)
V7 - Observed Value92.2 (0 to 100)96.3 (0 to 100)
EDV - Observed Value66.0 (0 to 100)96.3 (0 to 100)
EoT - Observed Value92.4 (0 to 100)94.9 (0 to 100)
Endpoint87.5 (0 to 100)93.6 (0 to 100)
SecondaryNational Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS)

The NIHSS is a systematic assessment tool that provides a quantitative measure of stroke-related neurologic deficits. The following questions will be asked: 1a. Level of Consciousness (LOC) (scored as 0, 1, 2, 3) 1b. LOC Questions (scored as 0, 1, 2) 1c. LOC Commands (scored as 0, 1, 2) 2. Best Gaze (scored as 0, 1, 2) 3. Visual (scored as 0, 1, 2, 3) 4. Facial Palsy (scored as 0, 1, 2, 3) 5a. Motor Arm (Left Arm) (scored as 0, 1, 2, 3, 4) 5b. Motor Arm (Right Arm) (scored as 0, 1, 2, 3, 4) 6a. Motor Leg (Left Leg) (scored as 0, 1, 2, 3, 4) 6b. Motor Right (Right Leg) (scored as 0, 1, 2, 3, 4) 7. Limb Ataxia (scored as 0, 1, 2) 8. Sensory (scored as 0, 1, 2) 9. Best Language (scored as 0, 1, 2, 3) 10. Dysarthria (scored as 0, 1, 2) 11. Extinction and Inattention (formerly Neglect) (scored as 0, 1, 2) The sum of all 15 individual scores will provide the patient's total NIHSS score where 0 is "no stroke symptoms" and 42 is "severe stroke".

Time frame:
National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) data is collected at Baseline, V3 (+37 days), V5 (+26 weeks), V7 (+52 weeks), End of trial visit (EOT, +78 weeks) or Early discontinuation visit (EDV, on average 30 days), and Endpoint (18 months).
Reported as:
Mean · Score on a scale
National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS)
Score on a scaleGroup AGroup B
Baseline - Observed Value8.5 (0 to 42)8.8 (0 to 42)
V2 - Observed Value4.6 (0 to 42)3.0 (0 to 42)
V3 - Observed Value2.5 (0 to 42)1.5 (0 to 42)
V5 - Observed Value1.9 (0 to 42)0.6 (0 to 42)
V7 - Observed Value1.6 (0 to 42)0.8 (0 to 42)
Early discontinuation visit - Observed Value3.4 (0 to 42)0 (0 to 42)
End of trial visit - Observed Value1.5 (0 to 42)0.6 (0 to 42)
Endpoint - Observed Value2.9 (0 to 42)1.5 (0 to 42)
SecondaryPatient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9)

The PHQ-9 can be used for screening, diagnosing and measuring the severity of depression in stroke patients. The patient will rate on a scale from 0 (not at all) to 3 (nearly every day) how often each of the 9 symptoms occurred during the past 2 weeks. The individual scores from each item of the PHQ-9 will be added to calculate the total PHQ-9 score for each time of examination.

Time frame:
Over 18 months follow-up period
Reported as:
Mean · Points
Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9)
PointsGroup AGroup B
Baseline - Observed Value3.7 ± 3.343.4 ± 4.43
Endpoint - Observed Value4.1 ± 3.964.3 ± 5.25
Endpoint - Change from Baseline0.5 ± 4.610.7 ± 6.13
SecondaryOverall Survival at 6, 12, and 18 Months After Randomization

Overall survival (time to death relative to the date of randomization) will be analysed and presented by means of the Kaplan-Meier estimates (including censored data e.g. withdrawals) after 6 months (Day 182), 12 months (Day 365) and 18 months (Day 547) for the survival rates.

Time frame:
Over 18 months follow-up period
Reported as:
Number · Percentage of death probability
Overall Survival at 6, 12, and 18 Months After Randomization
Percentage of death probabilityGroup AGroup B
Kaplan - Meier death probability estimate at Month 6 (Day 182)5.640.00
Kaplan - Meier death probability estimate at Month 12 (Day 365)5.640.00
Kaplan - Meier death probability estimate at Month 18 (Day 547)7.740.00
Statistical analysis
  • Group A vs Group B · Log Rank · p = 0.0542
SecondaryTreatment Emergent Adverse Events (TEAEs) Incl. Findings From Physical and Neurological Examinations

Adverse events (AEs) not considered treatment-emergent according to this definition or with missing data will be medically reviewed during the data review meeting and will be considered treatment emergent if appropriate

Time frame:
Over 18 months follow-up period
Reported as:
Count of participants · Participants
Treatment Emergent Adverse Events (TEAEs) Incl. Findings From Physical and Neurological Examinations
ParticipantsGroup AGroup B
TEAE5051
Non-serious TEAE5048
Serious TEAE1213
Related TEAE2312
Serious related TEAE30
Severe TEAE98
TEAE leading to discontinuation of IMP166
TEAE leading to dose reduction02
TEAE requiring medication3646
TEAE leading to death20
Ongoing TEAE at the end of the trial3130
TEAE leading to study discontinuation44
SecondaryClinically Significant Haematology Abnormalities

Based on haemoglobin, haematocrit, red blood cell count (RBC), white blood cell count (WBC), differential - neutrophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes, monocytes and basophils, and platelet count. All laboratory values will be classified as normal or abnormal according to the laboratories normal ranges and as clinically significant according to the assessment of the investigator. For these tests, approximately 12 mL of blood will be collected at each blood withdrawal.

Time frame:
Over 18 months follow-up period
Reported as:
Count of participants · Participants
Clinically Significant Haematology Abnormalities
ParticipantsGroup AGroup B
Eosinophils - Low to CS high10
Eosinophils abs. - Low to CS high10
Lymphocytes - Low to CS low10
Lymphocytes abs - Low to CS low10
SecondaryClinically Significant Biochemistry Abnormalities, Including eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) and Coagulation

The biochemistry analysis is based on sodium (will be monitored for signs of hyponatraemia), potassium, chloride, calcium, phosphate, blood urea nitrogen, aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phosphatase, creatine phosphokinase (CPK), creatinine, glucose, C-reactive protein, albumin, total protein, total cholesterol, low-density lipoproteincholesterol, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, triglycerides, and total bilirubin (bilirubin will be fractionated direct/indirect if elevated). eGFR will be estimated based on serum creatinine value using the according CKD-EPI formula using age, sex and race. Coagulation is based on international normalised ratio and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). All laboratory values will be classified as normal or abnormal according to the laboratories normal ranges and as clinically significant according to the assessment of the investigator.

Time frame:
Over 18 months follow-up period
Reported as:
Count of participants · Participants
Clinically Significant Biochemistry Abnormalities, Including eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) and Coagulation
ParticipantsGroup AGroup B
Sodium - Normal to CS low10
Potassium - Normal to CS low10
Potassium - Normal to CS high10
Potassium - Missing to CS high10
Blood urea nitrogen - Missing to CS high10
Aspartate transaminase - Normal to CS high10
Alanine transaminase - Normal to CS high10
Alanine transaminase - High to CS high10
Gamma-glutamyl transferase - Normal to CS high30
Lactate dehydrogenase - Low to CS high10
Alkaline phosphatase - Normal to CS high21
Creatinine - Normal to CS high11
Creatinine - Missing to CS high10
C-reactive protein - High to CS high20
LDL-cholesterol - Normal to CS high10
HDL-cholesterol - Normal to CS low20
Triglycerides - Normal to CS high01
Total bilirubin - Normal to CS high10
Bilirubin direct - Missing to CS high10
Glomerular filtration rate - Normal to CS low10
International normalised ratio - High to CS high10
Activated partial thromboplastin time - Normal to CS high20
SecondaryClinically Significant Urinalysis Abnormalities

The urinalysis is based on pH, specific gravity, protein, blood, glucose, ketones, bilirubin, urobilinogen (local dipstick). Microscopy and other appropriate tests (as needed) will be performed if dipstick indicates any significant abnormality. All laboratory values will be classified as normal or abnormal according to the laboratories normal ranges and as clinically significant according to the assessment of the investigator.

Time frame:
Over 18 months follow-up period
Reported as:
Count of participants · Participants
Clinically Significant Urinalysis Abnormalities
ParticipantsGroup AGroup B
Clinically Significant abnormality - Baseline - No4642
Clinically Significant abnormality - Baseline - Yes1414
Clinically Significant abnormality - Endpoint - No3634
Clinically Significant abnormality - Endpoint - Yes139
SecondaryClinically Significant Vital Sign Abnormalities: Blood Pressure

The systolic and diastolic blood pressure (mmHg) were to be measured after the patient had rested for at least 5 minutes. Painful procedures, like drawing blood, had to be performed after vital signs measurements (not before). The analyses of variables for vital sign parameters will focus on the evaluation of the change from baseline to the scheduled time points after baseline. Descriptive statistics of the time course and of changes from baseline to each post-baseline time point will be presented by treatment group.

Time frame:
Over 18 months follow-up period
Reported as:
Count of participants · Participants
Clinically Significant Vital Sign Abnormalities: Blood Pressure
ParticipantsGroup AGroup B
Systolic blood pressure [mmHg] - Baseline - CS high13
Diastolic blood pressure [mmHg] - Baseline - CS low00
Diastolic blood pressure [mmHg] - Baseline - CS high01
Systolic blood pressure [mmHg] - Endpoint - CS high11
Diastolic blood pressure [mmHg] - Endpoint - CS low01
Diastolic blood pressure [mmHg] - Endpoint - CS high00
SecondaryClinically Significant Vital Sign Abnormalities: Heart Rate

The Heart Rate (bpm) were to be measured after the patient had rested for at least 5 minutes. Painful procedures, like drawing blood, had to be performed after vital signs measurements (not before). The analyses of variables for vital sign parameters will focus on the evaluation of the change from baseline to the scheduled time points after baseline. Descriptive statistics of the time course and of changes from baseline to each post-baseline time point will be presented by treatment group.

Time frame:
Over 18 months follow-up period
Reported as:
Count of participants · Participants
Clinically Significant Vital Sign Abnormalities: Heart Rate
ParticipantsGroup AGroup B
Pulse rate [bpm] - Baseline - CS high00
Pulse rate [bpm] - Endpoint - CS high01
SecondaryElectrocardiogram (ECG)

The ECG equipment is to be calibrated to 1 cm/mV and recording is to be done at 25 mm/sec and performed for a minimum of 10 sec. At V1a the investigator should examine the ECG for signs of cardiac disease that should exclude the patient from the trial. An assessment of normal or abnormal will be recorded and if the ECG abnormality is considered clinically significant, the abnormality will be documented in the electronic case report form (eCRF). If an ECG was done after primary stroke, the results should be used and the examination does not need to be repeated at V1a. After each recording of a simultaneous 12-lead resting ECG, a copy of the originally printed ECG records will be printed, assessed and filed by the investigator, in order to ensure that maintenance of the data will not be affected by thermolability of the paper.

Time frame:
A standard 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) is performed at Baseline, V2 (+7 days), V3 (+37 days), Early discontinuation visit (if EDV performed before V3, on average 30 days).
Reported as:
Count of participants · Participants
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
ParticipantsGroup AGroup B
Baseline - Clinically Significant abnormal98
V2 - Clinically Significant abnormal43
V3 - Clinically Significant abnormal43
Early discontinuation visit - Clinically Significant abnormal00
Endpoint43
SecondarySuicidal Ideation and Behaviour, Assessed by PHQ-9 (Question 9)

The individual scores from each item of the PHQ-9 will be added to calculate the total PHQ-9 score for each time of examination.Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by any of the following problems? 1. Little interest or pleasure in doing things 2. Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless 3. Trouble falling or staying asleep, or sleeping too much 4. Feeling tired or having little energy 5. Poor appetite or overeating 6. Feeling bad about yourself - or that you are a failure or have let yourself or your family down 7. Trouble concentrating on things, such as reading the newspaper or watching television 8. Moving or speaking so slowly that other could have noticed. Or the opposite - being so fidgety or restless that you have been moving around a lot more than usual 9. Thoughts that you would be better off dead or of hurting yourself in some way The individual scores from each item of the PHQ-9 will be added to calculate the total PHQ-9 score for each time of examination.

Time frame:
The PHQ-9 will be collected at Baseline, V3 (+37 Days), V5 (+26 weeks), V7 (+52 weeks), End of trial visit (EOT, +78 weeks) or Early discontinuation visit (if EDV performed before V3, on average 30 days), and Endpoint (18 months).
Reported as:
Mean · Score on a scale
Suicidal Ideation and Behaviour, Assessed by PHQ-9 (Question 9)
Score on a scaleGroup AGroup B
Baseline - Observed Value3.7 ± 3.343.4 ± 4.43
V3 - Observed Value5.0 ± 5.574.5 ± 5.12
V5 - Observed Value5.0 ± 4.725.5 ± 5.91
V7 - Observed Value3.9 ± 4.084.4 ± 5.12
Early discontinuation visit - Observed Value2.0 ± 0.823.8 ± 4.35
End of trial visit - Observed Value3.8 ± 3.853.9 ± 5.50
Endpoint - Observed Value4.1 ± 3.964.3 ± 5.25
SecondaryNumber of Participants With and Without Seizures Based on Electroencephalogram (EEG)

Routine EEG assessment (standard 10-20 set of electrodes, digital recording with 256 Hz sampling rate) for a minimum of 20 min will be performed at the discretion of the investigator. The EEG will be performed as exploratory analysis to support the development of a predictor for the development of post-stroke epilepsy and is therefore an optional assessment. All EEG analyses will be presented for the EEG analysis subset (all patients in the full analysis set with a baseline and a post-baseline EEG recording available). EEG parameters will be evaluated exploratively using descriptive statistics. For this outcome was decided that results would be possibly explored in an manuscript.

Time frame:
Two recordings were provided: one carried out before in the initial phase of enrollment into the trial at V1a (< 96 hours) and the second one after termination of eslicarpazepine acetate intake (EOT, +78 weeks).
Reported as:
Count of participants · Participants
Number of Participants With and Without Seizures Based on Electroencephalogram (EEG)
ParticipantsGroup AGroup B
EEG recordings of V1a - Patients with seizures1624
EEG recordings of EoT - Patients without seizures510
Differences between EoT-V1a - Patients with seizures30
Differences between EoT-V1a - Patients without seizures07

Adverse events

Collected over The period of monitored/assessed for the collection of AEs started with the first onset or worsening after the first investigational medicinal product (IMP) intake at V1b until 14 days after the last IMP intake, up to 18 months per participant.. Non-serious events are listed at a 0% frequency threshold.

Adverse event summary by group
GroupDeathsSeriousOther
Group A6/61 (9.8%)12/61 (19.7%)50/61 (82%)
Group B0/62 (0%)13/62 (21%)48/62 (77.4%)
Most frequent serious events
Showing 10 of 27
Most frequent serious events
EventGroup AGroup B
Status epilepticusNervous system disorders1/611/62
SeizureNervous system disorders1/610/62
Thalamic infarctionNervous system disorders1/610/62
Acute respiratory failureRespiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders1/610/62
Pneumonia aspirationRespiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders1/610/62
Cardiac valve diseaseCardiac disorders1/610/62
Nodal arrhythmiaCardiac disorders1/610/62
EndocarditisInfections and infestations1/610/62
Pulmonary sepsisInfections and infestations1/610/62
Benign neoplasm of bladderNeoplasms benign, malignant and unspecified (incl cysts and polyps)1/610/62
Most frequent other events
Showing 10 of 185
Most frequent other events
EventGroup AGroup B
HypertensionVascular disorders10/6113/62
HeadacheNervous system disorders4/618/62
HyponatraemiaMetabolism and nutrition disorders6/611/62
ConstipationGastrointestinal disorders3/616/62
InsomniaPsychiatric disorders4/615/62
Urinary tract infectionInfections and infestations4/615/62
DizzinessNervous system disorders4/610/62
HypokalaemiaMetabolism and nutrition disorders4/613/62
Atrial fibrillationCardiac disorders4/613/62
DepressionPsychiatric disorders3/614/62

Baseline characteristics

Age, Categorical
Age, Categorical(Participants)Group AGroup BTotal
<=18 years302757
Between 18 and 65 years253358
>=65 years628
Sex: Female, Male
Sex: Female, Male(Participants)Group AGroup BTotal
Female232245
Male384078
Race (NIH/OMB)
Race (NIH/OMB)(Participants)Group AGroup BTotal
American Indian or Alaska Native000
Asian101
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander000
Black or African American314
White5760117
More than one race011
Unknown or Not Reported000
Female of childbearing potential
Female of childbearing potential(Participants)Group AGroup BTotal
Yes538
No181937
07

Study locations

22 sites
  • Klinikum am Wörthersee, Abteilung fur Neurologie
    Klagenfurt, FeschnigstraBe 11 9020, Austria
  • Medizinische Universität Innsbruck, Universitätsklinik für Neurologie
    Innsbruck, Innrain 52 6020, Austria
  • Kepler University Hospital, Med Campus III, Department of Neurology 2
    Linz, Krankenhausstraße 9 4021, Austria
  • Clinical Research Center Salzburg GmbH
    Salzburg, Strubergasse 21 5050, Austria
  • Kepler University Hospital GmbH, Neuromed Campus, Department of Neurology 1
    Linz, Wagner-Jauregg-Weg 15 4020, Austria
  • Hospices Civils de Lyon, Neurological Hospitals
    Bron, Boulevard Pinel, 59 69677, France
  • UKGM Universitatsklinikum Marburg, Klinik und Poliklinik fur Neurologie
    Marburg, Baldingerstrabe 35043, Germany
  • Neurologische Universitatsklinik
    Tübingen, Hoppe-Seyler-Strabe 3 72076, Germany
  • Universitatsklinikum Essen, Klinik fur Neurologie
    Essen, Hufelandstr. 55 45147, Germany
  • LMU Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitat, Munchen, Klinikum Grobhadern, Neurologische Klinik und Poliklinik, Experimentelle Neurologie
    München, Marchioninistrabe 15 81377, Germany
  • Uniklinik RWTH Aachen, Klinik für Neurologie
    Aachen, Pauwelsstr. 30 52074, Germany
  • Universitatsklinikum Erlangen, Neurologische Klinik
    Erlangen, Schwabachanlage 6 91054, Germany
  • Sheba Medical Center, Neurology Department, Stroke Unit
    Ramat Gan, Emek Ha'ella 1 5265601, Israel
  • Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Neurology Division
    Tel Aviv, Weizmann 6 64239, Israel
  • Clinica Neurologica e di Neuroriabllltazione - Azienda / Ospedallero-Universitarla S. Maria della Miserrcordia
    Udine, P. Le S. Maria Della Misericordia, 15 33100, Italy
  • Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Integrata di Trieste - Ospedale Cattinara - Clinica Neurologica
    Trieste, Strada Di Fiume 447 34149, Italy
  • Azienda Sanitaria dell'Alto Adige - Ospedale di Merano
    Merano, Via Rossini 5 39012, Italy
  • Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte, E.P.E. - Hospital Santa Maria - Serviço de Neurologia
    Lisboa, Avenida Prof. Egas Moniz 1649-035, Portugal
  • Hospital Universitario Fundación Jiménez Diaz
    Madrid, Avda. De Los Reyes Catolicos, 2 28040, Spain
  • Sahlgrenska universitetssjukhuset, Neurosjukvarden
    Göteborg, Bia Straket 7 41345, Sweden
  • King's College Hospital
    London, Denmark Hill SE5 9RS, United Kingdom
  • Institute of Neurology
    London, Queen Square WC1N 3BG, United Kingdom
08

References and documents

Study documents

  • Study protocol · Oct 24, 2018
  • Statistical analysis plan · Nov 22, 2023

Documents are hosted by the registry — open the source record to download them.

Individual participant data

Plan to share: No

09

Registry details

Key details

Study ID
NCT06597084
Lead sponsor
Bial - Portela C S.A.
Responsible party
Sponsor
First posted
Sep 19, 2024
Start date
May 29, 2019
Primary completion
Sep 11, 2023
Completion
Sep 11, 2023
Results posted
May 2, 2025
Last update
May 2, 2025

Study contacts

Eugen Trinka, MD MSc FRCP
principal investigator · Universitätsklinik für Neurologie
Matthias Koepp, MD PhD FRCP
principal investigator · UCL Institute of Neurology

Oversight

Data monitoring committee
Yes
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
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