New drug to treat grand mal seizures

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration again has extended its marketing approval for GlaxoSmithKline's epilepsy treatment Lamictal.

London-based GSK said Wednesday that the FDA has approved the anti-seizure medication for use in treating one of the most serious forms of epilepsy - primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures, also known as "grand mal" seizures.

With the new approval, Lamictal can be used to treat grand mal seizures in children as young as 2 years old and in adults.

The latest approval marks the fifth time the FDA has granted a marketing extension for the drug's use in combating epilepsy. Lamictal is also used as a maintenance therapy for adults with bipolar I disorder.

Clinical trials of the drug indicated that grand mal seizures declined by 66 percent in patients receiving Lamictal. Patients receiving a placebo experienced a 34 percent decline.

GSK (NYSE: GSK) has dual U.S. headquarters in Research Triangle Park and Philadelphia. The company employs more than 5,600 Triangle workers.