21 Nov The Dravet Preclinical Research Meeting, a step forward for future therapeutic approaches

The first pan-European meeting on Preclinical Research in Dravet Syndrome, an initiative of the Dravet Syndrome European Federation (DSEF), brought together various research groups to strenghten scientific exchange and identify shared challenges.

The one-day virtual event took place this week and put at the same “virtual” table preclinical research groups from across Europe, which work on Dravet Syndrome and other rare epilepsies. Throughout the day, the participants discussed ongoing preclinical efforts – such as gene and cell therapy approaches, advanced disease models (organoids, zebrafish, hiPSC), and metabolic mechanisms related to rare genetic epilepsies.

The meeting also highlighted the importance of fostering closer collaboration with patient associations to ensure that research efforts remain aligned with patient needs.

The aim of the meeting was to create a collaborative space to share knowledge, identify unmet needs, and foster partnerships across different research fields – from advanced therapies and pharmacology to models and mechanisms.

The event concluded with an open discussion on opportunities for collaboration, shared challenges and future directions, highlighting the growing potential of therapeutic strategies beyond interneuron-targeted interventions.

The European meeting reflects DSEF’s commitment to strengthening research collaboration and accelerating progress for people living with Dravet Syndrome and their families.