Servier and University College London join forces to advance therapeutic research in rare genetic epileptic disorders

Servier enhances commitment to neurological diseases through collaboration with University College London (UCL) on Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathy (DEE).
Servier has entrusted several of the company’s ASOs (antisense oligonucleotides) to UCL to study their therapeutic efficacy in cell models developed by the university.
The collaboration is also tasked with gaining a better understanding of and validating the mechanisms involved in DEE.

Suresnes (France), December 4, 2025 – Servier, an independent international pharmaceutical company governed by a foundation, has entered into a research collaboration with University College London (UCL), a prestigious centuries-old British university and part of the University of London, to test candidate drugs from Servier in innovative patient-derived cell models known as brain assembloids, complex 3D structures that replicate key aspects of human brain development and function, for the treatment of patients with Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathy (DEE).

Developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE) is a rare form of epilepsy that typically manifests in early childhood. Affecting nearly 200 children per 100,000 worldwide,¹ DEE is characterized with frequent seizures, intellectual disability, and significant developmental delays.

This partnership demonstrates Servier’s commitment to developing innovative treatments for patients affected by rare and severe neurological disorders, where medical needs remain high and largely unmet.

We are excited to partner with University College of London to validate the therapeutic potential of our drug candidates for rare epilepsy disorders. With its renowned expertise in the field and close connection to patients, UCL is an ideal partner to drive research forward and deliver real benefits to patients. By combining our expertise, we aim to deepen our understanding of developmental and epileptic encephalopathies and ultimately develop treatments that will transform the lives of patients with developmental and epileptic encephalopathy.
Nitza Thomasson, Head of Global R&D Neurology

This collaboration represents a tremendous opportunity to bridge cutting-edge science and therapeutic innovation for patients with rare epileptic disorders. By combining Servier’s promising antisense oligonucleotide candidates with our advanced human brain assembloid models, we aim to accelerate the discovery and validation of new treatments for developmental and epileptic encephalopathies. This partnership exemplifies how academic–industry collaborations can transform pioneering research into meaningful therapeutic advances for patients.
Professor Gabriele Lignani, Head of the Research Department of Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology.

We are excited to join forces with Servier to accelerate the development of advanced therapies for these severe epilepsies with significant unmet need. By combining our expertise in genetic developmental and epileptic encephalopathies and our human assembloid DEE models with industry innovation in therapeutic development, this collaboration will fast-track the discovery and testing of novel, patient-relevant treatments. Together, we will combine science and innovation to bring life-changing solutions closer to the children and families we look after.
Dr Amy McTague, Principal Research Fellow and Honorary Consultant Paediatric Neurologist, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health.

By combining UCL’s cutting-edge research capabilities with Servier’s drug discovery expertise and resources, this collaboration exemplifies the power of open, multidisciplinary partnerships between academia and industry. The joint effort is designed to accelerate progress in DEE research and deliver clinically actionable insights that can improve patient outcomes.

As part of the agreement, Servier will leverage UCL’s scientific expertise to assess the therapeutic potential of its antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), while UCL will develop the brain assembloid models that replicate the cognitive development of brains affected by genetically defined DEE. These advanced models offer a unique opportunity to better assess therapeutic responses in a physiologically relevant context.

¹ The burden of epilepsy on long-term outcome of genetic developmental and epileptic encephalopathies: A single tertiary center longitudinal retrospective cohort study – ScienceDirect

Press Contact

laura.visserias.part@servier.com

About Servier

Servier is a global pharmaceutical group governed by a nonprofit foundation, committed to making a meaningful social impact for patients and contributing to a sustainable world.

Its unique governance model ensures its independence, while supporting long-term innovation, with 100% of its profits reinvested in the Group’s development.

As a world leader in cardiometabolism and venous diseases, Servier drives transformative innovation to support patients with chronic conditions and improve their day-to-day lives through a holistic approach, which includes making patient adherence a priority across the globe. Its ambition is to become a leading player in rare cancers, which is why the Group invests heavily in oncology, allocating close to 70% of its R&D budget to this field. By leveraging precision medicine, Servier develops therapies that are more targeted and more effective.

Bolstered by its success in oncology, Servier has expanded into neurology, a key driver of future growth. The Group is focused on a select number of neurodegenerative diseases, where accurate patient profiling enables targeted therapeutic responses through precision medicine.

To open up wider access to high-quality, affordable care, Servier also offers an extensive range of generic medicines, building on well-established brands in France, Eastern Europe, and Brazil. In all its activities, and at every stage of the medicine life cycle, the Group integrates the patient’s voice.

Headquartered in France, Servier operates in close to 140 countries. In 2023-2024, the Group, which employs over 22,000 people worldwide, achieved revenues of €5.9 billion.

More information on: servier.com 

About UCL (University College London)

UCL is a diverse global community of world-class academics, students, industry links, external partners, and alumni. Our powerful collective of individuals and institutions work together to explore new possibilities.

Since 1826, we have championed independent thought by attracting and nurturing the world’s best minds. Our community of more than 50,000 students from 150 countries and over 16,000 staff pursues academic excellence, breaks boundaries and makes a positive impact on real world problems.

We are consistently ranked among the top 10 universities in the world and are one of only a handful of institutions rated as having the strongest academic reputation and the broadest research impact.

We have a progressive and integrated approach to our teaching and research – championing innovation, creativity and cross-disciplinary working. We teach our students how to think, not what to think, and see them as partners, collaborators and contributors.

For almost 200 years, we are proud to have opened higher education to students from a wide range of backgrounds and to change the way we create and share knowledge.

We were the first in England to welcome women to university education and that courageous attitude and disruptive spirit is still alive today. We are UCL

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