Angelini Pharma at IEC 2025: real-world data and clinical dialogue to redefine seizure freedom
From 30 August to 3 September 2025, Lisbon is hosting the 36th International Epilepsy Congress (IEC), organized by the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE). This key event brings together clinicians, researchers, and stakeholders committed to advancing care for people with epilepsy. In this context of scientific exchange and clinical progress, Angelini Pharma contributed with a robust program focused on rethinking how seizure freedom is defined, pursued, and achieved in clinical practice. New pivotal data was presented, including insights on the bidirectional relationship between epilepsy and depression using artificial intelligence and machine learning in multi-country databases, and real-world healthcare resource utilization in patients before and after cenobamate treatment. Furthermore, groundbreaking data on SUDEP, the most common cause of death in people with epilepsy, was shown, highlighting the reduction on SUDEP risk in patients treated with cenobamate. As part of its scientific contribution to the congress, additionally, 20 scientific posters encored from key national and international congresses were presented. Through this scientific presence, Angelini Pharma reaffirms its commitment to improving lives for people living with epilepsy.
A Symposium dedicated to the future of seizure control
The cornerstone of Angelini Pharma’s presence at IEC 2025 is a dedicated 90-minute satellite symposium titled Seizure Freedom in Epilepsy: Defining the Goal, Refining the Path. Through this event, the company brings together internationally recognized voices to reflect on the shift in mindset surrounding epilepsy management - from simple seizure reduction to the broader, more meaningful target of complete seizure freedom while also addressing the cognitive, emotional and social impact of the disease. The session will be moderated by Prof. Dr. Carla Bentes, a leading expert in the field of epilepsy. It will feature contributions from Prof. Dr. Matthew Walker, Prof. Dr. Simona Lattanzi and Prof. Dr. Vicente Villanueva, top international experts in this field. Prof. Dr. Matthew Walker will explore the clinical and scientific rationale for targeting seizure freedom as a therapeutic endpoint, and Prof. Dr. Simona Lattanzi and Prof. Dr Vicente Villanueva will delve into the evidence from real world clinical experience through meaningful studies—such as BLESS and FREEDOM—, outlining how early and effective interventions can lead not only to improved seizure control but also to measurable gains in cognitive performance, emotional stability, treatment adherence, and overall quality of life. The symposium will also open the floor to a forward-looking discussion on the future of treatment beyond seizure control, connecting scientific evidence with clinical practice and redefining what seizure freedom means in the context of patient-centered epilepsy care.
Groundbreaking SUDEP risk and healthcare resource utilization reduction
Complementing the scientific dialogue of the symposium, Angelini Pharma presented new data from different studies related to key consequences of uncontrolled seizures, highlighting the importance of achieving seizure freedom to minimize the impact of epilepsy.
A key challenge in epilepsy care is reducing mortality risk, particularly due to Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP)— the main cause of death in people with epilepsy, with a yearly rate up to 9.3 per 1000 people. SUDEP is strongly associated with uncontrolled seizures, especially generalized tonic-clonic seizures. New data shows that the adjunctive use of cenobamate in adults with focal-onset seizures is associated with sustained seizure freedom and seizure freedom of focal to bilateral tonic-clonic seizures leading to a statistically significant reduction in SUDEP risk, as measured by two validated risk assessment tools.
Uncontrolled seizures are also linked to an increase in Healthcare Resource Utilization (HCRU) specially epilepsy related hospitalizations and emergency room visits. A retrospective analysis of a US database including adult with Focal Onset seizures (FOS) treated with cenobamate revealed a reduction of hospitalization and emergency room visits already 6 months after the initiation of cenobamate.
From data to care: a shared commitment to brain health
The insights presented at IEC 2025 build on Angelini Pharma’s broader vision for epilepsy care -one that considers both seizure control and the full person behind the diagnosis. For patients, achieving seizure freedom represents a transformative milestone: one that brings back a sense of normalcy, confidence, and autonomy. For clinicians, it opens the door to reconsider treatment goals and adopt data-informed strategies that balance efficacy and tolerability.
As a company rooted in brain health, Angelini Pharma continues to invest in real-world research, cross-border educational initiatives, and the development of therapeutic options that meet the evolving needs of people with epilepsy. An example of this commitment is the multinational study presented at the congress exploring the bi-directional relationship between epilepsy and depression. Through the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), this research aims to uncover early risk indicators and shared clinical profiles. The findings of this work mark a step forward in data-driven, personalized brain health management, delineating characteristics of PWE at higher risk of developing depression and vice versa.
The company’s presence at IEC 2025 reaffirms its role as a partner to the epilepsy community—one that listens, innovates, and acts with purpose.
With its symposium and scientific contributions, Angelini Pharma aims not only to share evidence but to spark new thinking. By aligning data, dialogue, and clinical expertise, the company helps define a future where seizure freedom becomes not just a goal, but a shared reality.