To characterize epilepsy burden and unmet needs associated with ASM use through patient-reported data from the EMPOWER study and real-world claims data from adults with focal onset seizures (FOS). 

Epilepsy affects ~50 million people worldwide, many of whom live with uncontrolled seizures. Treatment side effects and frequent medication changes further compound patient burden. EMPOWER, a longitudinal observational study, describes the epilepsy journey and seizure burden across epilepsy types. A complementary US claims analysis of adults with FOS examines population-level treatment use, persistence and seizure control. 

EMPOWER participants (≥18 years, n~600) were followed up to 24 months, capturing demographics, disease course, seizure-tracking and ASM use via electronic diary and surveys. A retrospective claims analysis evaluated prescribing patterns and seizure control among ~440,000 adults with FOS who had >1 ICD-10 diagnosis code for FOS, identified through billing and pharmacy claims between 2016 and 2023. 

Across both datasets, inadequate seizure control and treatment burden were evident. Two-thirds of EMPOWER respondents reported ≥1 seizure in the prior month, 40% required ≥2 ASMs, and nearly half rated their epilepsy as uncontrolled. Seizures and ASM side effects disrupted daily life, with 90% reporting fear of another seizure and many limiting social or occupational activities.  

EMPOWER and FOS claims analyses provide complementary perspectives on epilepsy burden. Patient-reported data reveal the lived impact of uncontrolled seizures and reduced quality-of-life, while real-world evidence highlights limited treatment persistence in FOS. Together, they reinforce the need for novel therapies to achieve sustained seizure control and improve long-term outcomes.