Conclusion
Neurochemical agents, electrical stimulation protocols, thermal or
hypoxic insults, traumatic traumas, optogenetics, and rodent strains
with idiopathic or audiogenic-induced seizures are only a few of the
techniques used in animal models of epilepsy. Figure 1 summarises the
key characteristics, applications, and limitations of the models
examined here. In the last 20 years, many experimental compounds have
been tested in animal models to find novel, third-generation ASMs. This
has surely increased the therapeutic possibilities, especially for
patients requiring a change in treatment. But the effectiveness of these
new ASMs for treating newly diagnosed epilepsy is, at best, comparable
to that of older ASMs.
In biomedical research, the search for appropriate animal models is a
critical aspect of various clinical conditions, such as the pursuit of
novel treatments for seizures that are resistant to current medications.
Unlike a one-size-fits-all approach, the principle of
“fit-for-purpose” guides the selection of animal models, acknowledging
that there is no single ideal model for every aspect of a complex
condition like autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or pharmacoresistant
seizures. An essential prerequisite for advancing drug development is
the availability of animal models that accurately predict therapeutic
responses to drugs.
Animal models, when thoughtfully chosen, designed, and executed,
constitute crucial components of translational drug development
strategies. These models gain even more translational value when
combined with other tools such as quantitative systems pharmacology,
biomarkers, or experimental clinical trials. It is important to
recognize that animal models are simplified representations of complex
systems, and their purpose is not to replicate the entire complexity of
a human disease but to model specific facets of the disease, such as
drug-resistant partial seizures.
When employing animal models, it is imperative to have a well-defined
research question and ensure that the chosen model aligns with that
question. The Development of new therapies for epilepsy necessitates a
close alignment between the animal model and the clinical syndrome. This
alignment requires ongoing and effective collaboration between skilled
clinicians and basic scientists. Besides relying on animal models, the
insights and ingenuity of experienced scientists are crucial for
discovering novel targets and correctly interpreting unexpected
findings, potentially leading to the development of truly impactful
drugs.
In this context, emerging pharmacological and gene discovery strategies
offer the potential to target specific subpopulations of patients with
drug-resistant epilepsy rather than searching for a universal remedy
effective for all forms of intractable epilepsies.