New funding to improve insights into Dravet Syndrome
Published: 22 May 2026
The University of Glasgow has been awarded a three-year Endeavour Project Grant from the Epilepsy Research Institute to lead crucial studies into Dravet Syndrome, a hard-to-treat form of epilepsy which begins in infancy
The University of Glasgow has been awarded a three-year Endeavour Project Grant from the Epilepsy Research Institute to lead crucial studies into Dravet Syndrome, a hard-to-treat form of epilepsy which begins in infancy.
The research, led by Professor Andreas Brunklaus in the University’s School of Health and Wellbeing, will be done in collaboration with King’s College London, Great Ormond Street Hospital and Dravet Syndrome UK.
Dravet syndrome is a devastating genetic condition which causes frequent, hard-to-control seizures and long-term neurodevelopmental impairment. The condition also causes feeding difficulties, movement problems and has a high risk of premature death. Current treatments fail to control seizures in most patients and there are no approved medicines that address the condition’s devastating cognitive and behavioural impacts.
However, as new gene-targeted treatments for this condition emerge, the researchers hope to create a robust framework for clinicians to help them predict progress and measure benefit, creating a toolkit for NHS care which will measure neurodevelopmental outcomes and disease severity for patients with Dravet Syndrome.
Currently, doctors may still rely on ‘trial and error’ treatments, so it’s hoped the research – which will use a combination of computational modelling, samples and at-home research– will allow for greater insight into Dravet Syndrome, and the work will speed up clinical trials and support treatment decisions.
Professor Andreas Brunklaus, Consultant Paediatric Neurologist at the Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow and Honorary Professor at the School of Health and Wellbeing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, said: “We are delighted to receive this grant, which will go some way to hopefully improving the treatment potential for children with Dravet Syndrome.
“By delivering well tested, family friendly measures and exploring a potential blood marker, this study aims to improve trial readiness, guide treatment decisions, and give families clearer evidence to seek appropriate support.”
Collaborators include Dr Charlotte Tye and Dr Richard Rosch at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience at King’s College London, Dr Amy McTague at Great Ormond Street Hospital and Miss Ceri Hughes at Dravet Syndrome UK.
Enquiries: ali.howard@glasgow.ac.uk or elizabeth.mcmeekin@glasgow.ac.uk
First published: 22 May 2026