Beacon Biosignals, a global frontrunner in at-home EEG and AI-enhanced brain health analysis, showcased two scientific posters at the American Epilepsy Society (AES) annual conference. These presentations spotlight innovative research stemming from collaborations with Longboard Pharmaceuticals and UCB, aimed at enhancing knowledge regarding sleep disruptions in those with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS) and their caregivers.
The initial study, in conjunction with Longboard Pharmaceuticals, unveils preliminary findings from the Dreem LGS Caregiver Study. Utilizing Beacon’s FDA-approved Dreem 3S EEG headband, this research delves into sleep interruptions among caregivers of children with LGS. Outcomes indicate that caregivers effectively operated the home-based EEG device across multi-night recordings, acquiring high-quality data without the need for technologist involvement. Results point to notable sleep fragmentation among caregivers, likely a result of nocturnal care responsibilities. The study observed a significant escalation in Wake After Sleep Onset (WASO) in LGS caregivers, amounting to 37.79 minutes compared to 24.70 minutes in controls (p<.05), along with a reduced Sleep Onset Latency of 14.62 minutes compared to 23.43 minutes in controls. These revelations lay a crucial groundwork for grasping the interplay of caregiver burden, stress, and sleep quality in this overlooked demographic.
The second poster, produced in collaboration with UCB, concentrates on the HEADFIRST study, analyzing sleep patterns in children with LGS versus their neurotypical siblings. Employing the Dreem 3S EEG headband once again, this investigation spotlighted significant disturbances in the sleep profiles of LGS individuals, including heightened alertness during sleep intervals (WASO) and diminished sleep cycles (averaging 4.6 in LGS subjects versus 2.6 cycles in neurotypical controls, p<0.05). Notably, LGS individuals demonstrated a marked decrease in REM sleep (56.77 minutes, versus 104.34 minutes in controls, p<0.05), consistent with the neurological characteristics of the syndrome.
HEADFIRST represents a basket study intended to evaluate the Dreem 3S headband’s efficacy in monitoring sleep and brain activity in both pediatric patients with neurodevelopmental disorders and neurotypical controls, enrolling up to 300 participants from various disorders. The study’s first phase, in partnership with the Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS) Foundation, centers on assessing usability, reliability, and clinical value of Dreem in a pediatric LGS cohort. These findings are the inaugural results from the HEADFIRST initiative, which commenced in mid-September 2024, highlighting the significance of long-term sleep data in comprehending LGS-related sleep pathology and its therapeutic implications.
“Beacon’s presentations at the AES event this year underscore the transformative potential of our technologies in neurodiagnostics advancement,” stated David Matthews, chief business officer of Beacon Biosignals. “By aligning with industry leaders like UCB and Longboard, we are unveiling vital insights into epilepsy-associated sleep disruptions, backing the creation of innovative treatments, and enhancing outcomes for patients and their families.”