Marisa Wexler, MS, senior science writer —

Marisa holds a Master of Science in cellular and molecular pathology from the University of Pittsburgh, where she studied novel genetic drivers of ovarian cancer. Her areas of expertise include cancer biology, immunology, and genetics, and she has worked as a science writing and communications intern for the Genetics Society of America.

Articles by Marisa Wexler

Dravet syndrome parent support lacking, Spanish study finds

Parents of children with Dravet syndrome in Spain say they don’t get enough support to help meet the emotional and economic challenges of the disease, a study found. “The findings of this study underscore the need for policy reforms that specifically address the challenges faced not only by individuals…

Dravet families need support networks, study finds

Having a child with Dravet syndrome affects the whole family, and it’s common for parents to feel burnt out and sleep-deprived and for siblings to feel unseen, a study reported. Clinicians should be proactive about offering information about support networks for families affected by Dravet syndrome, the study’s authors…

Diacomit may be best Dravet syndrome treatment: Analysis

Diacomit (stiripentol) may be more effective than other available Dravet syndrome treatments at reducing the frequency of seizures, according to an analysis of data from multiple clinical trials. The therapy “can be recommended as the first choice among the included drug regimens for reducing seizures in [Dravet] patients,”…

Dravet syndrome treatment bexicaserin shows promise in trial

Treatment with the experimental oral therapy bexicaserin led to sustained reductions in seizure frequency for children with Dravet syndrome and other types of developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs), according to new data from the PACIFIC Phase 1/2a clinical trial and its open-label extension study. The findings were announced by…

Fintepla more potent than others in taming Dravet seizures: Study

Among recent treatments to reduce the risk of seizures in people with Dravet syndrome, Fintepla (fenfluramine) appears to be the most potent, according to a new analysis. “In [Dravet syndrome], [Fintepla] provided significantly greater efficacy compared with other [anti-seizure medications], and it was generally well tolerated,” researchers wrote…