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European Dravet Syndrome Conference 2026
European Dravet Syndrome Conference 2026
When and where: Thursday 19th and Friday 20th of March 2026 in Madrid
Welcome to the European Dravet Syndrome Conference 2026
The Dravet Syndrome Foundation Spain is thrilled to announce the European Dravet Syndrome Conference 2026, taking place on Thursday, March 19th, and Friday, March 20th, 2026, in Madrid, Spain – Europe’s sunniest capital city.
Following the inspiring success of the 2025 conference, which brought together leading experts, researchers, and patient advocates, we are eager to host this year’s edition. This event will strengthen collaboration among those committed to advancing research and understanding of Dravet Syndrome across Europe and beyond, focusing on cutting-edge research, patient-centered care, and united efforts.
We are excited to reunite in person, welcoming clinicians, researchers, regulators, and pharmaceutical professionals worldwide, all driven by one shared mission: to combat Dravet Syndrome.
The conference will showcase the latest advancements and updates in managing and treating Dravet Syndrome, including new drugs and therapies in development. It’s a unique chance to stay updated, engage in meaningful discussions, and exchange ideas with global experts in a collaborative, relaxed, and productive setting.
We invite all stakeholders in health and R&D medicine – policymakers, academics, researchers, pharmaceutical professionals, healthcare reps, SMEs, patient advocates, regulators, and public-private partnership members – to join us.
Registration is free but mandatory for organizational purposes.
With the support of:
Official College of Nursing of Madrid
With the scientific endorsement of:
International League Against Epilepsy Europe
European Reference Network EpiCARE
European Paediatric Neurology Society
General Council of Official Nursing Colleges of Spain
Spanish Society of Paediatric Neurology
Download the conference booklet and agenda HERE
Agenda Day 1 – Thursday, 19th March 2026
08.30 – 09.00
Welcome & Registration
09.00 – 09.15
Opening Statements & Introduction to the Program
Representative of the Official College of Nursing of Madrid
José Ángel Aibar, Dravet Syndrome Foundation Spain
Alexis Alexis Arzimanoglou, ERN EpiCARE
Nicola Specchio, ILAE Europe
Lieven Lagae, KU Leuven
Jacqueline French, NYU Langone School of Medicine
09.15 – 11.00
Advances in Dravet Syndrome: A 5-Year Retrospective
Chair: Jacqueline French, NYU Langone School of Medicine
What Have We Learned from Natural History Studies
Nicola Specchio, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital
Beyond SCN1A: Other Genes, Mosaicism, Regulatory Elements and Cellular Energetics
Franck Kalume, University of Washington
Therapeutic Landscape in Dravet Syndrome: Approved Drugs and Treatment Algorithms
Antonio Gil-Nagel, Ruber International Hospital
Evolution of Treatment Goals: From Seizure Control to Comprehensive DEE Management
Rocío Sánchez-Carpintero, University of Navarra Clinic
Update on the Research Pipeline for Dravet Syndrome
Vicente Villanueva, University Hospital La Fe
Shaping the Future of Epilepsy Care: The Role of European Networks
Alexis Arzimanoglou, Sant Joan de Déu Barcelona Children’s Hospital
Discussion
11.00 – 11.30
Networking Coffee Break & Poster Session
11.30 – 13.00
Dravet Syndrome in Adulthood and Mortality
Chair: Danielle Andrade, University of Toronto
Clinical and Neuropathological Insights into Adult Dravet Syndrome
Danielle Andrade, University of Toronto
Understanding the Emotional Toll of SUDEP Risk on Families
José Ángel Aibar, Dravet Syndrome Foundation Spain
Communicating SUDEP and Mortality: Strategies for Supporting Caregivers
Kette Valente, University of São Paulo
A Mother’s Journey Through Dravet Syndrome: Love, Loss, and Legacy
Océane Silvestri, mother of Matilda
Discussion
13.00 – 14.30
Networking Lunch & Poster Session
14.30 – 15.30
Research Talk Session I
Chair: Alexis Arzimanoglou, Sant Joan de Déu Barcelona Children’s Hospital
Early Chronic Kv3.1 Modulation Improves Phenotypic Alterations in a Mouse Model of Dravet Syndrome
Albina Farkhutdinova, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen
Cell Type–Specific Effects of Increased Persistent Sodium Current on Neuronal Firing
Manon Dobrigna, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Université Cote d’Azur
Functional Excitation-Inhibition Ratio as a Marker for Indicating Anti-Seizure Medication Efficacy
Georgii Krivoshein, Leiden University Medical Center
Discussion
15.30 – 16.00
Networking Coffee Break & Poster Session
16.00 – 17.15
Biomarkers and Predictive Tools for Precision Diagnosis in DEEs
Chair: Lieven Lagae, KU Leuven
Predicting Phenotypic Trajectories from Early Seizure Onset
Lieven Lagae, KU Leuven
Predictive Markers for Diagnosing Dravet Syndrome – The Earlier the Better
Andreas Brunklaus, Glasgow Royal Hospital for Children
MicroRNAs and Epigenetic Signatures: Unlocking New Diagnostic Tools
Petra Bencurova, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences
Exploring the Role of AI in Dravet Syndrome: A Use Case in Translational Research
Satya Sahoo, Case Western Reserve University
Discussion
17.15 – 18.00
Research Talk Session II
Chair: Else Tolner, Leiden University Medical Centre
Ribozyme-Mediated RNA Trans-Splicing as a Therapeutic Strategy for Dravet Syndrome
María de los Angeles Garduño Robles, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra
Expanding the Genetic and Phenotypic Spectrum of Dravet Syndrome
Jair Tenorio, Institute of Medical and Molecula Genetics (INGEMM) at La Paz University Hospital, CIBERER
Efficacy of a Novel Gene Replacement Therapy Against Dravet Syndrome Behavioral ComorbiditiesI
Samantha Hanson, Seattle Children’s Research Institute
Discussion
18.00
Wrap Up Day 1
José Ángel Aibar, Dravet Syndrome Foundation Spain
Agenda Day 2 – Friday, 20th March 2026
08.30 – 08.45
Welcome & Registration
08.45 – 09.00
E+ Slideshow
09.00 – 10.00
Expert Panel Discussions: Rethinking Control Groups, Maintaining Blinding in DEEs Clinical Trials
Jacqueline French, NYU Langone School of Medicine
Stéphane Auvin, Robert Debré Hospital
Dynamic Group Discussion
Emma James, Encoded Therapeutics
Isabella Brambilla, E+ Alliance
Ryan Arnold, Stoke Therapeutics
10.00 – 11.00
Distinctive Trial Designs for DEE and DS: Are They Needed?
Jacqueline French, NYU Langone School of Medicine
Stéphane Auvin, Robert Debré Hospital
Dynamic Group Discussion
Alexis Arzimanoglou, European Consortium for Epilepsy Trials
Sandra Silva Arrieta, GRIN Europe
Tolga Uz, Lundbeck
11.00 – 11.30
Poster Session & Networking Coffee Break
11.30 – 12.00
Research Workshop I: Innovative Therapeutic Strategies: From Antisense Oligonucleotides to Gene Therapy
Rajvinder Karda, University College London
Dynamic Group Discussion
12.00 – 13.00
Research Talk Session III
Chair: Massimo Mantegazza, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology
Towards Multimodal, Personalized In Vitro Seizure Fingerprints
Susanna Narkilahti, Tampere University
Disrupted Temperature–Sleep Coupling Mechanism in a Dravet Syndrome Mouse Model
Moran Rubinstein, Tel Aviv University
Disruption of Upstream Open Reading Frames by Base Editing Enhances mRNA Translation of SCN genes
Gaia Colasante, San Raffaele Scientific Institute
Discussion
13.00 – 14.00
Poster Session & Networking Lunch
14.00 – 14.30
Workshop II: Future Directions in DEEs: Omics and Animal Models
Heidrun Potschka, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich
Discussion
14.30 – 15.00
Research Talk Session IV
Chair: Simona Giorgi, Dravet Syndrome Foundation Spain
Language Development in Dravet Syndrome in the 3 to 6 Year Stage
Pedro Sanz de la Rosa, Complutense University of Madrid
Musculoskeletal Complications in Dravet Syndrome: The Underrecognized Problem of Scoliosis
Fien Vandenberk, Antwerp University Hospital and University of Antwerp
15.00
Young Investigators’ Best Oral and Poster Presentation Awards, Close & Thank-Yous
José Ángel Aibar, Dravet Syndrome Foundation Spain
Nicola Specchio, ILAE Europe
Jacqueline French, NYU Langone School of Medicine
With the scientific endorsement of:
International League Against Epilepsy Europe
European Reference Network EpiCARE
European Paediatric Neurology Society
General Council of Official Nursing Colleges of Spain
Spanish Society of Paediatric Neurology
Franck Kalume
Seattle
United States
SESSION TITLE: Unraveling the Pathophysiology of Dravet Syndrome: Preclinical Advances in 2026
BIOGRAPHY
Dr Franck Kalume is an assistant professor in the Departments of Neurological Surgery, Pharmacology and Global Health at the University of Washington. He is also a principal investigator at the Center for Integrative Brain Research (CIBR) at the Seattle Children’s Research Institute.
His research interests focus on understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms of epilepsy and comorbid conditions in refractory genetic epilepsies.
His current projects focus on the use of animal models to elucidate the mechanisms of epilepsy, sleep disturbances and sudden unexpected death in three debilitating and life-threatening forms of epileptic disorders with a distinct genetic aetiology:
- Dravet syndrome (an epileptic encephalopathy often linked to mutations in the sodium voltage-gated channel gene, SCN1A).
- Focal cortical dysplasia (a brain malformation disorder recognised as the most common cause of epilepsy in children and linked to mutations in PIK3CA, an element of the PI3K-ATK-mTOR signalling pathway).
- Leigh syndrome (the most common form of childhood-onset mitochondrial disorder associated with mutations in NDUFS4, a gene encoding a component of mitochondrial protein complex I).
Stéphane Auvin
Paris
France
SESSION TITLE: Breaking the News: Communicating a Dravet Syndrome Diagnosis
BIOGRAPHY
Stéphane Auvin is epileptologist and child neurologist. He is Chair of the Pediatric Neurology Department at Robert Debré University Hospital and full professor at Paris-Cité University, France. He directs the epilepsy programme and the centre for rare epilepsies, member of the European Reference Netword Epicare. His clinical and research activities are focused on early onset pediatric epilepsies and epilepsy drug development.
Gaia Colasante
Milano
Italy
SESSION TITLE: Preclinical Insights into Dravet Syndrome Mechanisms in Adults
BIOGRAPHY
Dr. Gaia Colasante obtained her Master degree in Biotechnology from the University of Milan and her Ph.D. in Neuroscience and Molecular Medicine from Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, working in the laboratory of Dr. Vania Broccoli. She was interested in forebrain development and particularly analyzed the contribution of the transcription factor Arx in these processes. This interest led her to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia in Professor Jeffrey Golden’s lab, where she continued studying the role of the transcription factor Arx in GABAergic interneuronal migration using time-lapse imaging techniques. Upon returning to San Raffaele Hospital, she focused on cellular reprogramming, defining a cocktail of transcription factors capable of converting fibroblasts and pluripotent stem cells into GABAergic interneurons as a cell source for cell replacement therapies in epilepsy. More recently, she has utilized the CRISPR/dCas9 activator strategy to enhance the regulation of therapeutic genes in genetic and non-genetic forms of epilepsy. She is now a project leader at San Raffaele Hospital, managing a small team dedicated to the development of gene therapy for the treatment of Dravet syndrome and other neurological developmental disorders.
She has recently joined the International League Against Epilepsy Advanced Gene Therapies Task Force and she is a member of the scientific advisory board of the Dravet Syndrome Foundation.
Danielle Andrade
Toronto
Canada
SESSION TITLE: Aging with Dravet Syndrome: Clinical Features and Biomarkers
BIOGRAPHY
Dr Andrade is a Professor of Medicine (Neurology) at University of Toronto and the Medical Director of the Epilepsy Program of University Health Network, University of Toronto. She is also the Director of the Adult Genetic Epilepsy (AGE) Program at University of Toronto, a pioneer program established to promote care and research in adult genetic epilepsies. She is also the former Chair and now Co-Chair of the ILAE Task Force on Child to Adulthood Transition.
Dr Andrade’s research interests are the field of transition of care from paediatric to adult and on the area of genetic epilepsies and their natural histories. Dr Andrade and her team have identified and characterized several epilepsies and comorbidities in adults with genetic epilepsies, including Dravet syndrome. She has also identified the first gene associated with SUDEP (sudden, unexpected death in epilepsy) in patients with non-syndromic epilepsy. Her team has also discovered genes responsible for Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, Jeavon’s syndrome, teenage-onset neuronal ceroid lipofuccinosis progressive myoclonus epilepsy, among others.
Simona Giorgi
Elche
Spain
SESSION TITLE: Update on the research pipeline for Dravet syndrome
BIOGRAPHY
Graduated with honours in Quality Control of Health Products and Master in Pharmaceutical Biotechnologies at the University of Bologna. Simona has worked as a pre-doctoral researcher in neuroscience.
During her time at UMH-IDiBE, Simona has led research projects focused on the development of an innovative in vitro model of human sensory neurons. This model is based on the generation of neurons from human fibroblasts using lentiviral vectors and small molecules. She has also achieved a significant breakthrough by establishing a compartmentalised culture of neurons, allowing the differential analysis of the periphery and the cell body of neurons.
Simona also enriched her expertise through a stay at Semmelweis University in Budapest, where she investigated an in vitro model of human neurons. Throughout her career, she has been an active collaborator in several basic and translational research projects, focusing on the study of sensory neurons and ion channels. Her results have been successfully published in high impact journals.
Lieven Lagae
Leuven
Belgium
SESSION TITLE: Is it time to redefine the tratment algorithm for Dravet syndrome?
BIOGRAPHY
Lieven Lagae is Full Professor and Head of Paediatric Neurology Department at the University Hospitals of Leuven, Belgium. He has a particular clinical and scientific interest in childhood epilepsy and is involved in many research projects including zebrafish epilepsy models, brain stimulation, preventive treatment in TSC, the use of fenfluramine and analogues in Dravet and refractory epilepsy syndromes.
Lieven Lagae is the past President of the European Paediatric Neurology Society (EPNS) and he is one of the Directors of the European Brain Foundation and Member of the Steering Committee of EpiCARE, the European Reference Network for rare and complex epilepsies. He serves at several scientific journal editorial boards and pharma company advisory boards.
He received the ‘Cures within Reach Patient Impact Clinical Award’ in 2017, the 2019 Honorary Award of German speaking Paediatric Neurology Society and the 2019 Aicardi Award of the EPNS.
Martin Bohlen
Durham
United States
SESSION TITLE: From Bench to Bedside: Translating Animal Model Findings into Human Applications
BIOGRAPHY
In 2016, Dr Bohlen received his PhD in neuroscience from the University of Mississippi Medical Center. His specialised training revolved around the use of neuroanatomical techniques to dissect brainstem circuits that influence gaze control in primates, cats and rodents.
Following his PhD, Dr Bohlen channelled his deep understanding of neuroanatomical connections in the primate brain to evaluate viral vectors, analysing their efficacy in targeting and initiating gene expression in the non-human primate brain. A key conclusion of his studies is that current viral constructs are not suitable for transgene delivery in the primate brain. Driven by this insight, Dr Bohlen is on a mission to perfect these viral vectors specifically for primates. He envisions a new generation of primate-adapted viral constructs with increased clinical applicability and potency.
Dr Bohlen now contributes to the field as a research scientist at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina.
Vicente Villanueva
Valencia
Spain
SESSION TITLE: Emerging Technologies for Predicting Seizures: Are We There Yet?
BIOGRAPHY
Dr Vicente Villanueva is a neurologist at the Neurology Department of the Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe in Valencia, where he has been working since 2004. Since 2005 he also works at the Multidisciplinary Epilepsy Unit of the Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, where he is Head of the Refractory Epilepsy Unit and of the Epilepsy Surgery Programme. He is a representative of the European Reference Network EpiCARE and a member of the Intellectual Disability Working Group of the International League Against Epilepsy. He has been Associate Professor of Neurology at the University of Valencia from 2017 to 2023 and is professor of the Master in Neuroscience at the same University, directing several PhD theses.
Dr Villanueva trained at the Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, Spain; the Epilepsy Center of the University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL, USA; the Epilepsy Center of New York University, New York, USA; and the Saint-Vincent de Paul Hospital, Paris, France.
He received his PhD in video-electroencephalography (EEG) evaluation in refractory epilepsy, and is certified in epileptology by the European Academy of Epilepsy. His current research interests include refractory epilepsy, video-EEG monitoring, epilepsy clinical trials and epilepsy surgery.
Dr Villanueva is a member of the EEG Board and the Epilepsy Guidelines Board of the Spanish Society of Neurology. He is a reviewer for the journals Neurology, Epilepsia, Epilepsy and Behaviour, Epilepsy Research, Acta Neurologica Scandinavica, European Journal of Paediatric Neurology, etc. In recent years Dr Villanueva has conducted nine courses on epilepsy, authored 130 articles on epilepsy and edited three books on epilepsy. Dr Villanueva was awarded in 2014 with the Epilepsy Scientific Award of the Spanish Society of Neurology.
Massimo Mantegazza
Nice
France
SESSION TITLE: Research Workshop I: Treating DEEs: a mechanistic point of view
BIOGRAPHY
Dr Mantegazza is an expert in the study of physiology, toxicology and pharmacology of ion channels and pathophysiology of neuronal excitability. He has a broad background of in vitro/in vivo electrophysiology, molecular/cell biology, microscopy and behavioral tests in mice, and has contributed to develop and study mouse and in vitro models of epilepsy, migraine and neurodevelopmental diseases, identifying specific defects in the function of specific subtypes of neurons and their consequences on network excitability and phenotype. Dr Mantegazza has studied functions and dysfunctions of ionic currents, neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission. In particular, he has disclosed gain-of-function and loss-of-function effects of genetic variants of SCN1A/Nav1.1 sodium channel, correlating them to specific phenotypes (different epilepsies and migraine) and disclosing specific mechanisms of hyperexcitability in neuronal networks. Dr Mantegazza has supervised 12 PhD students, 13 postdocs and 13 master students, and has been regularly funded in the last 20 years.
Heidrun Potschka
Munich
Germany
SESSION TITLE: Research Talk Session II
BIOGRAPHY
Heidrun Potschka holds the Chair and is Professor of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacy at the Veterinary Faculty of the Ludwig-Maximilians-University in Munich.
Her research related to pathophysiology and pharmacotherapy of epilepsies has focused on mechanisms of pharmacoresistance and the identification and validation of novel targets and biomarkers for epilepsy management. Among others the work has contributed to preclinical testing of several now approved antiseizure medications. In recognition of her research, she received several awards including the international Michael Prize.
She has served as a committee member of different national and international committees and task forces including the ILAE Neurobiology commission, the ILAE AES Joint Translational Task Force and the ILAE Research and Innovation Task Force. Moreover, she is an associate editor of the journal Epilepsia.
Rubén Hernández
Pamplona
Spain
SESSION TITLE: Expert Panel Discussion: The Complexities of ATMPs Delivery: Procedures, Challenges and Patient Outcomes
BIOGRAPHY
Ruben Hernandez-Alcoceba graduated in Medicine (1994) and obtained his PhD (1998) in Spain. His post-doctoral training was in the field of oncolytic adenoviruses in the Cancer Center of the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, MI, USA, 1998-2002). In 2003 he obtained a researcher position in the Center for Applied Medical Research (University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain). Since then he has designed and evaluated adenoviral vectors for cancer immunotherapy, as well as adenoviral and AAV vectors for the treatment of genetic diseases such as Wilson´s disease, cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis and Dravet syndrome. His team has pioneered gene supplementation approaches for the treatment of Dravet syndrome.
Ángel Aledo-Serrano
Madrid
Spain
SESSION TITLE: Dravet syndrome by a young neurologist***
BIOGRAPHY
Ángel Aledo-Serrano MD, PhD is a neurologist and epileptologist, director of the Vithas Madrid Neuroscience Institute. His main focus of clinical and research work is in the area of neurogenetics, precision medicine and developmental and epileptic encephalopathies, including Dravet syndrome and other sodium channelopathies, MOGHE, CDKL5 deficiency disorder or SYNGAP1 encephalopathy, among others. He is very active in the social and educational aspects of DEEs, with a science dissemination platform in social media (@AledoNeuro).
Helen Cross
London
United Kingdom
SESSION TITLE: Dravet syndrome by an experienced neurologist
BIOGRAPHY
Professor Helen Cross is The Prince of Wales’s Chair of Childhood Epilepsy, and Director of UCL-Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health as well as Honorary Consultant in Paediatric Neurology Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London and Young Epilepsy, Lingfield, UK. Her research has been targeted at improving outcomes in early onset epilepsy, specifically in assessing the role of surgery and ketogenic diet. She has held key leadership roles both nationally and internationally. She is currently President of the International League Against Epilepsy 2021-2025, and Clinical Advisor to the National Children’s Epilepsy Surgery Service’ She developed, as Coordinator, the European Reference Network for Rare and Complex Epilepsies (EpiCARE) launched in 2017.
Sandra Sánchez Bravo
Albacete
Spain
SESSION TITLE: What about us? Siblings of children and adults with Dravet syndrome
BIOGRAPHY
Sandra is a 38-year-old woman who has been living with Dravet syndrome practically all her life. She has only one sibling, Gonzalo, who is 35 years old. In all her memories, her brother and Dravet syndrome were present. The disease marked her childhood, hers and the whole family’s life.
Álvaro Beltrán Corbellini
Madrid
Spain
SESSION TITLE: Deep phenotyping of non-epileptic phenomena in Dravet syndrome
BIOGRAPHY
Dr. Álvaro Beltrán-Corbellini (MD, MSc, PhD Candidate) works as a neurologist and clinical epileptologist in the Epilepsy Program of Hospital Ruber Internacional in Madrid, Spain. His main activity is focused on epilepsy genetics and developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (co-chair of the Epilepsy Genetics Unit of the Program), although also directed to video-EEG monitoring, neuroimaging, epilepsy surgery and clinical trials. As an active clinical researcher, he is author of several papers on Dravet Syndrome and other areas of epilepsy. He is active in social media platforms with respect to scientific and educational aspects of epilepsy (@EpilepsiaHRuber)
Javier Peña Ceballos
Dublin
Ireland
SESSION TITLE: The emerging role of the advanced practice epilepsy nurse
BIOGRAPHY
Javier Peña-Ceballos, MSc, RANP, is a registered advanced nurse practitioner specialising in epilepsy within the Department of Neurology at Beaumont Hospital in Dublin, Ireland. Before this role, he accumulated clinical and research experience in epilepsy at The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital, and King’s College London.
As an advanced nurse practitioner, he is involved in several activities within the epilepsy care programme, including rapid access seizure clinics, transition clinics, vagus nerve stimulation clinics, a telephone advice line service, outreach clinics, and providing support in scheduled consultant-led clinics. Additionally, he actively participates in research activities in genetic epilepsies, vagus nerve stimulation, and the real-world effectiveness of antiseizure medications under the supervision of Professor Norman Delanty.
His daily work consists of providing support and expertise to patients, their families, and caregivers throughout the epilepsy care journey, enhancing their quality of life in the community while minimising the need for hospital visits.
Rima Nabbout
Paris
France
SESSION TITLE: The future of clinical trials in rare and complex epilepsies
BIOGRAPHY
Professor of Pediatric Neurology University Paris Cité, Paris, France
Rima Nabbout, MD, PhD, is professor of paediatric neurology at Université Paris cité and director of the French Reference Centre for Rare Epilepsies at Necker-Enfants Malades, Paris, France.
She is member of EJP-RD (European Joint Programme on Rare Diseases), leading the WP20 on innovation in clinical trials in RD; of ERN (European Reference Networks) EpiCARE steering committee and research council and of IRDiRC (International Rare Diseases Research Consortium).. She is president of the scientific committee of the BNDMR (Banque Nationale de Données Maladies Rares), coordinator of the task force on transition of the International League Against Epilepsy, and core member of 2 task forces on nosology and Big Data.
Professor Nabbout’s research at Institut Imagine (Director of the chair of Epilepsy and leading the epilepsy program at INSERM U1163, Translational Research for Neurological Diseases) is focused on childhood rare epilepsies, aiming to syndromes’ delineation, deep phenotyping, defining disease impact and underlying mechanisms. She is principal investigator in clinical trials on rare epilepsies with development of patient-centred end-points and innovative methodologies for personalized therapies. She has authored more than 300 peer-reviewed papers and received Horizons 2020, FP7, national grants, and philanthropic funds, mainly from FAMA Swiss funds.
Maria Candida Vila
San Francisco
United States
SESSION TITLE: Clinical update on ETX101 for the treatment of SCN1A+ Dravet syndrome
BIOGRAPHY
Dr. Maria Candida Vila has over a decade of experience in the medical and scientific arenas. She is currently Director of Medical Affairs at Encoded Therapeutics, where she plays a key role in advancing gene regulation therapies for pediatric CNS disorders, including Dravet syndrome.
Since joining the company in April 2020, Dr. Vila has leveraged her expertise to enhance cross-functional collaboration, supporting both research and clinical development as well as patient and medical engagement efforts. Her professional journey includes Audentes Therapeutics, Cytokinetics, Children’s National Health System, and The Scienomics Group, a Healthcare Consultancy Group Company. Dr. Vila earned her Ph.D. in Immunology and Microbiology from The George Washington University (2012-2016), after completing her Master of Science degree in Public Health/Microbiology from the same institution (2009-2012). Dr. Vila also holds a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree from the University de São Paulo, Brazil (2003-2007). Committed to advancing gene therapies for rare diseases, Dr. Vila collaboratively focuses on improving patient outcomes in the biomedical field.
Maria Ballarà Petitbò
Madrid
Spain
SESSION TITLE: DS’coverED project: Understanding and modeling the different steps of Dravet syndrome
BIOGRAPHY
Maria Ballarà Petitbò MD, is a pediatric neurologist currently working at the Hospital Universitario Infantil Niño Jesús in Madrid. Her daily clinical practice is mostly based on the care of children with developmental and epileptic encephalopathies, as well as refractory epilepsies of other multiple etiologies. In the research area, her work is mainly focused on the study of autoimmune-associated epilepsies and the development of biomarkers and new therapeutic options for these diseases. She also participates in various clinical trials investigating the use of targeted therapies for epileptic encephalopathies such as Tuberous Sclerosis Complex or Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, among others.
Judith Marín Corral
Madrid
Spain
SESSION TITLE: The power of AI and machine learning to diagnose, treat and manage rare disease patients
BIOGRAPHY
As an intensive care physician with 12 years of experience in healthcare, her journey has been deeply intertwined with both clinical practice and research. Her passion for medical exploration ignited during her medical school years when she was awarded a scholarship, leading to the completion of her doctoral thesis on muscle dysfunction in patients with COPD. Following this academic pursuit, she embarked on her residency at Joan XXIII Hospital in Tarragona, where she honed her skills in clinical data management.
Transitioning into her role as an intensivist, she assumed the position of coordinator for the ICU Research Group at Hospital del Mar. Her focus remained steadfast on investigating muscular dysfunction in critically ill patients, culminating in the leadership of multicenter projects and the publication of numerous impactful studies.
In 2022, she embarked on a pivotal career move by joining Savana, a trailblazing company specializing in comprehensive clinical data management. Here, leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as Natural Language Processing and Artificial Intelligence, Savana extracts valuable insights from electronic medical records (structured and unstructured information). As the head of the medical team, she spearhead initiatives aimed at developing innovative strategies for the diagnosis and treatment advancement of rare diseases, utilizing Savana’s advanced technological capabilities.
Juan Antinao Díaz
London
United Kingdom
SESSION TITLE: AAV-mediated gene targeting of natural antisense transcript as a novel treatment for Dravet syndrome
BIOGRAPHY
Dr Juan Antinao Diaz is a postdoctoral researcher at Institute for Women’s Health (IfWH), UCL, where he works on developing a novel pre-clinical gene therapy approach for Dravet Syndrome in Dr Karda’s laboratory. He obtained his MSc in Neuroscience from UCL in 2014, after studying physiotherapy at the University of Chile and working in the rehabilitation of neurological patients. Juan completed his PhD in 2020 at IfWH UCL, in a pre-clinical gene therapy for Dravet Syndrome. Juan is a member of the IfWH Equality, Diversity and Inclusion committee and in a member of Early Career Researchers committee. He is heavily involved in organising the summer school at IfWH. Juan is also a member of the British Gene and Cell therapy Society, participating in the Public and Patient Engagement sub-committee.
Martina Mainardi
Milano
Italy
SESSION TITLE: Investigating constitutive or late restoration of Nav1.1 in interneurons in a Dravet mouse model
BIOGRAPHY
Martina Mainardi is currently in her first year of the Ph.D. program in Molecular Medicine at the University of Vita Salute San Raffaele in Milan, Italy. She initiated her scientific journey as a master’s thesis student in the research team led by Gaia Colasante at San Raffaele Hospital. Subsequently, she continued in the same team, progressing from a research fellow to a doctoral student. Her primary research interest revolves around Dravet Syndrome, specifically exploring the involvement of diverse neuronal populations and brain regions in its pathophysiology using animal models of the disease.
Else A. Tolner
Leiden
Netherlands
SESSION TITLE: Functional EEG markers for indicating anti-seizure medication efficacy in Dravet Syndrome
BIOGRAPHY
Dr. Tolner is Assistant Professor at the Leiden University Medical Centre (LUMC), the Netherlands, where she has been working since 2011. Her research focuses on uncovering pathophysiological mechanisms and therapeutic targets for epilepsy and co-morbid migraine. To that end, she integrates data from functional studies in transgenic animal models with EEG findings from patients. She obtained her PhD in 2005 on neuroplasticity processes in epilepsy from the University of Amsterdam, under supervision of late Prof. Dr. Fernando Lopes da Silva. As postdoctoral researcher she worked in the lab of late Prof. Uwe Heinemann at the Charite, Berlin, and afterwards at Helsinki University in the team of Prof Kai Kaila, studying cortical network dynamics in epilepsy. She has received funding for her epilepsy and SUDEP studies through a Marie Curie Career Integration Grant (2011), CURE SUDEP award (2014) and Dutch League against Epilepsy Grants (2016 & 2022). Ongoing preclinical epilepsy studies concern identification of EEG indicators for seizure risk and treatment response in the Dravet Scn1a knock-out model.
Jacqueline Heighway
Nice
France
SESSION TITLE: Negative dominance: A novel Dravet pathomechanism for therapeutic target and patient stratification
BIOGRAPHY
Jacqueline Heighway is a post-doctoral scientist whose research focus is on neurodevelopmental disorders caused by genetic variants of voltage-gated sodium channels. She studies the functional impact of sodium channel variants identified in patients and utilizes sequencing data to identify the expression patterns of brain sodium channels in the development of humans and model organisms. She obtained her PhD in the field of neuroscience from the University of Melbourne School of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, Australia and is now based at the Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire affiliated with the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, the Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, and the Université Côte d’Azur, Nice, France.
Álvaro Abad
Madrid
Spain
SESSION TITLE: How to successfully manage the challenges of developing advanced therapies for CNS disorders
BIOGRAPHY
A graduate in Law and Business Administration and Management from the Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Álvaro has been a Senior Associate in Public Law and Regulated Sectors at Hogan Lovells Madrid since 2013.
Álvaro specializes in pharmaceutical law and advises pharmaceutical and biotech companies on a daily basis on legal issues related to medicinal products and the pharmaceutical industry, from clinical trials, early access, marketing authorization or pricing & reimbursement, to promotion and compliance issues, interactions with healthcare professionals and organizations and patient advisory groups or disputes at Farmaindustria and Autocontrol. Álvaro also provides on a regular basis advice on public procurement in the healthcare sector and is the point of contact at Hogan Lovells Madrid for Life Sciences & Health Care regulatory matters.
Álvaro is a member of the Scientific Committee of the Dravet Syndrome Foundation Spain and his work has been recognized by publications and legal directories such as Iberian Lawyer in its Forty under 40 awards in the Life Sciences Pharma category or as Recommended Lawyer in Legal 500 noting that «he is analytical and decisive, with extensive technical and legal knowledge».
Krista Armstrong
New Jersey
United States
SESSION TITLE: How to successfully manage the challenges of developing advanced therapies for CNS disorders
BIOGRAPHY
Dr. Krista Armstrong has over 26 years of experience delivering clinical trials in neuroscience. She is currently Senior Vice President & Head of the Global Neurosciences Business Unit, at Premier Research (a contract research organization (CRO), where she is responsible for the teams accountable for the overall strategy and delivery of studies in neurology and psychiatry.
Her experience includes a focus in pediatric CNS disorders starting when Premier Research was the Coordinating Center for the Best Pharmaceuticals for Children’s Act (BPCA) with the National Institutes of Child Health and Development (NICHD) in 2003. A study in status epilepticus, and the first ever (US) approved process for the exception to informed consent, was a part of the work delivered under the BPCA Coordinating Center. Her teams have managed multiple studies in rare epilepsies, including trials that lead to an orphan drug approval for seizures associated with Lennox-Gaustat Syndrome and Dravet Syndrome in patients two years of age and older.
Since joining the company in 1997, Dr. Armstrong has held multiple positions of leadership across all functions within project delivery. She serves as a primary point of contact ,as an executive leader, for Sponsor companies Premier Research collaborates with for execution of their development programs. She holds a doctorate in neuroscience from the University of Florida.
Álvaro Sierra
Madrid
Spain
SESSION TITLE: Study of the myelination process in a murine model of Dravet Syndrome: Implications of cannabinoids
BIOGRAPHY
Álvaro Sierra is a first year PhD student in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biomedicine in the Complutense University of Madrid. His research work is developed in the cannabinoids group of the Faculty of Medicine. With almost three years of experience researching on Dravet Syndrome, his doctoral thesis aims to study the pathophysiological processes related to DS and the therapeutic potential of cannabinoid compounds in this disease.
Speakers info coming soon!
With the scientific endorsement of:
European Reference Network EpiCARE
European Paediatric Neurology Society
General Council of Official Nursing Colleges of Spain
Spanish Society of Paediatric Neurology
Venue
The European Dravet Syndrome Conference 2026 will take place at the Official College of Nursing of Madrid (Spain), located in the former factory of the American sewing machine company Singer, an emblematic building of the 20th century. The venue is located at Avenida de Menéndez Pelayo, 93, in the heart of the city and less than 10-minute walk away from Paseo del Prado and Atocha station.
With the scientific endorsement of:
International League Against Epilepsy Europe
European Reference Network EpiCARE
European Paediatric Neurology Society
General Council of Official Nursing Colleges of Spain
Spanish Society of Paediatric Neurology
Accommodation
If you are looking for a comfortable and convenient accommodation for the European Dravet Syndrome Conference 2026, you might want to check out Hotel Puerta de Toledo, which enjoys a privileged location opposite the Puerta de Toledo monument and very close to the Royal Palace, the Almudena Cathedral, the Royal Theatre, the Plaza Mayor, the ‘Rastro’ (flea market) and many other tourist attractions in the city.
Hotel Puerta de Toledo is just a 10-minute cab ride from the conference venue and is offering a special rate for conference participants. To reserve your room, please visit their official website and use the promo code DRAVET. Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy a pleasant stay at Hotel Puerta de Toledo!
With the scientific endorsement of:
International League Against Epilepsy Europe
European Reference Network EpiCARE
European Paediatric Neurology Society
General Council of Official Nursing Colleges of Spain
Spanish Society of Paediatric Neurology
Become a sponsor
As a patient organisation, we rely on the generosity of corporate sponsors to help us carry out our foundational activities.
Contact us at [email protected] and find out our various sponsoring options! 2026
Sponsors
Platinum sponsorship
Gold sponsorship
Silver sponsorship
Bronze sponsorship
With the great support of:
Official College of Nursing of Madrid
With the scientific endorsement of:
International League Against Epilepsy Europe
European Reference Network EpiCARE
European Paediatric Neurology Society
General Council of Official Nursing Colleges of Spain
Spanish Society of Paediatric Neurology
Submit your Abstract
Welcome to the abstract submission form. Abstracts submitted via email or fax will not be considered for review by the Scientific Organising Committee.
To promote diversity, please note that each presenting author is limited to one oral platform presentation (either short or flash). However, additional oral presentations may be submitted by an institution provided the presenting author differs for each submission.
If your abstract is selected for an oral presentation, you will be asked to submit your presentation by 10 March 2026 at the latest.
If your abstract is selected for a poster presentation, please ensure your poster is printed in A0 size (vertical format). Clips for mounting will be provided. You may set up your poster in the poster room on the top floor either on the afternoon of Wednesday 18 March 2026 or upon arrival on the morning of Thursday 19 March 2026.
For technical difficulties or submission support, please contact [email protected].
DEADLINES:
Please, take into account the following important dates:
- Abstract Submission Deadline:
Sunday 14th of December 2025Tuesday 6th of January 2026 at 23:59 CET. - Email notification of Selected speakers: 19th of January 2026.
- Reception of final presentation deadline: 10th of March 2026 at 23:59 CET.
- Conference Date: 19th and 20th of March 2026.
ABSTRACT SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
Abstracts may be selected for poster and/or short (15 min) or flash (10 min) oral presentations. Abstracts should highlight original innovative research on Dravet syndrome, with a special focus on advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs). If different abstract and presenting author, more than one abstract can be submitted per institution.
Abstracts will be evaluated by members of the European Dravet Syndrome Advanced Therapies Working Group (EDSAT WG). The EDSAT WG is an alliance formed by leading European scientists in the field of ATMPs for Dravet syndrome and related disorders.
For confidentiality reasons, only the title, authors and affiliations will be published in the online booklet. Full abstracts will only be published in the printed booklet that attendees will receive as part of the conference bag.
AUTHORS AND FORMAT
- Authors should indicate their presentation preference: oral and/or poster presentation. The Scientific Committee reserves the right to decide on the final presentation type.
- Abstracts with multiple authors can only be submitted once, by the presenting author.
- The presenting author assumes full responsibility for the contents of the abstract and confirms that all other authors consent to the submission of the abstract.
- All abstracts must be submitted and presented in English.
- Abstracts must have the following structure: Introduction, Methodology, Results, Conclusions, and Acknowledgement/Funding, if applicable.
- Abbreviations should be defined the first time they appear in the text, before being used as an abbreviation only. Please, do not define or use abbreviations in the title.
- The abstract’s title can contain a maximum of 100 characters.
- Abstracts should have between 1250 and 1500 characters. Title, authors’ names and affiliations are not included in this limit.
- Tables, figures, or other graphics are not allowed during abstract submission.
- Authors affiliations should be written correctly, using capital letters, and avoiding abbreviations.
EVALUATION
Special consideration will be given to:
- Clarity in the exposition of the different sections.
- Innovative potential.
- Scientific impact and social relevance.
- Soundness of the applied methodology.
- Consistency between the obtained results and the proposed conclusions.
Selected speakers will receive all information regarding time and format of their presentations in a separate e-mail after evaluation.
If you face any problems during the submission process, contact us directly at [email protected].
With the scientific endorsement of:
International League Against Epilepsy Europe
European Reference Network EpiCARE
European Paediatric Neurology Society
General Council of Official Nursing Colleges of Spain
Spanish Society of Paediatric Neurology
Registration
Attendance to the conference is free of charge, but mandatory for organisational reasons. You just need to fill in the fields below to register for the European Dravet Syndrome Conference 2026, that shall take place on Thursday 19th and Friday 20th of March 2026 in Madrid. At no cost, the registration includes coffee and beverages, lunch, attendance to all sessions and the conference materials.
For more information on this event, visit the Home page.
With the scientific endorsement of:
International League Against Epilepsy Europe
European Reference Network EpiCARE
European Paediatric Neurology Society
General Council of Official Nursing Colleges of Spain
Spanish Society of Paediatric Neurology
Reunión Anual de Familias
Cuándo y dónde: 21 de marzo de 2026 en Madrid
¡Bienvenidos a la Reunión Anual de Familias 2026!
Con enorme ilusión, desde la Fundación Síndrome de Dravet os invitamos a participar en la Reunión Anual de Familias 2026, que celebraremos el sábado 21 de marzo de 2026.
Este encuentro es mucho más que una cita en el calendario: es el gran punto de encuentro de nuestra comunidad, donde familias de toda España y otros países se reúnen para compartir vivencias, apoyarse mutuamente y descubrir juntos los avances que nos acercan a un futuro mejor para las personas con síndrome de Dravet.
Durante la jornada, podréis conocer de primera mano los proyectos más innovadores de la Fundación, incluyendo la puesta en marcha de nuestro propio laboratorio de investigación, así como los últimos avances médicos, sociales y educativos que impactan directamente en la vida de nuestras familias.
Como siempre, la Fundación facilitará el alojamiento para las familias que se desplacen desde fuera de la ciudad y ofrecerá catering durante todo el evento, para que podáis centraros en lo más importante: disfrutar, aprender y conectar con otras familias.
Además, contaremos con un servicio de cuidadores y actividades lúdicas para personas con síndrome de Dravet y sus hermanos, a cargo de profesionales y voluntarios especializados, para que todos los miembros de la familia se sientan acogidos y atendidos.
La inscripción estará abierta hasta el jueves 5 de marzo a las 23.59 horas, y solo necesitarás completar el formulario con los datos de los asistentes.
Estamos trabajando con entusiasmo en un programa lleno de contenidos útiles, charlas inspiradoras y espacios para el intercambio de experiencias. Queremos que vivas una jornada inolvidable, llena de aprendizaje, apoyo y esperanza.
¡Te esperamos con los brazos abiertos para seguir construyendo juntos el futuro de la comunidad Dravet!
Agenda
08.45 – 09.15
¡Bienvenidos a la gran familia Dravet!
09.15 – 09.45
Inauguración: Unidos por el futuro del síndrome de Dravet
José Ángel Aibar, Fundación Síndrome de Dravet
09.45 – 10.00
Nuevas familias, nuevas esperanzas
Amelia Martínez, Fundación Síndrome de Dravet
10.00 – 10.15
La Fundación Síndrome de Dravet: Avances, retos y sueños compartidos
José Ángel Aibar, Fundación Síndrome de Dravet
10.15 – 10.30
Nuestro laboratorio: Ciencia, pasión y esperanza desde dentro
Simona Giorgi, Fundación Síndrome de Dravet
10.30 – 10.50
Investigación, desarrollo e innovación: Fármacos en camino
Aroa Arboleya, Fundación Síndrome de Dravet
10.50 – 11.20
Ensayos clínicos de terapias avanzadas para el síndrome de Dravet
Ángel Aledo Serrano, Hospital Blue Sanitas Valdebebas
11.20 – 11.50
Descanso
11.50 – 12.20
Historia natural del síndrome de Dravet: Lo que hemos aprendido
Víctor Soto, Hospital Niño Jesús
12.20 – 12.40
SUDEP y status epiléptico: Prevención y actuación en situaciones críticas
Julián Lara, Hospital La Paz
12.40 – 13.00
Presentación científica
TBC
13.00 – 13.30
Prioridades en investigación: La voz de las familias
José Ángel Aibar, Fundación Síndrome de Dravet
13.30 – 14.00
Conductas desafiantes en el síndrome de Dravet: Opciones farmacológicas para mejorar la calidad de vida
Antonio Gil-Nagel, Hospital Ruber Internacional
14.00 – 16.00
Comida
16.00 – 16.20
Apoyo emocional para los hermanos de personas con síndrome de Dravet
Esther Moraleda Sepúlveda, Universidad Complutense de Madrid
16.20 – 16.40
Adolescencia en el síndrome de Dravet: Retos, cambios y estrategias para familias
Lucía Zumárraga, Neuroped
16.40 – 17.00
Intervenciones prácticas para adultos: Mejorando la conducta día a día
Margarita Pascual Darlington, Fundación Hospitalarias Madrid
17.00 – 17.30
Patrimonio protegido y planes de pensiones para personas y familias con síndrome de Dravet
Jesús Ántonio Moure Pérez, Abogado Fiscalista
17.30 – 18.00
Descanso
18.00 – 18.35
Taller práctico de necesidades
Equipo EITAL
18.35 – 18.50
Colabora, comparte, cambia: El impacto de las familias en la Fundación
María José Aibar, Fundación Síndrome de Dravet
18.50 – 19.00
Premios Dravet 2026
José Ángel Aibar, Fundación Síndrome de Dravet
19.00
Clausura del encuentro
José Ángel Aibar, Fundación Síndrome de Dravet
Lugar del encuentro
Un año más, la Reunión Anual de Familias 2026 se celebrará en el Colegio Rafaela Ybarra, ubicado en la Avda. Rafaela Ybarra, 73 de Madrid.
Este colegio es un centro educativo integrado que ofrece enseñanzas desde Educación Infantil hasta Ciclos Formativos de Formación Profesional y Bachillerato. La titularidad pertenece a las religiosas de los Ángeles Custodios, y su nombre honra a Rafaela Ybarra, beatificada por el Papa Juan Pablo II en 1984 por su destacada labor con la infancia y juventud femenina.
El centro cuenta con todas las instalaciones necesarias para acoger nuestro encuentro de familias, garantizando un entorno cómodo y adecuado para todos los asistentes.
Alojamiento
Un año más, desde la Fundación Síndrome de Dravet nos haremos cargo del coste del alojamiento para aquellas familias que vengan de fuera de Madrid y necesiten hospedaje durante el fin de semana. Nuestro objetivo es facilitar e incentivar la participación de todas las familias que forman parte de la Fundación.
Por favor, indícalo en el formulario de inscripción para que podamos tenerlo en cuenta y mantenerte informado sobre el alojamiento donde nos hospedaremos las familias de la Fundación que asistamos al encuentro.
Conviértase en patrocinador
Como organización dedicada a apoyar a pacientes y sus familias, dependemos en gran medida de la generosidad de nuestras empresas patrocinadoras para llevar a cabo nuestras actividades fundacionales.
Póngase en contacto con nosotros en [email protected] e infórmese de las diversas opciones de patrocinio.
Patrocinadores
Patrocinio Oro
Patrocinio Plata
Patrocinio Bronce
Inscripción
La asistencia a esta conferencia es gratuita, pero es necesario inscribirse por motivos organizativos. Solo tienes que rellenar el formulario a continuación para inscribirte en la Reunión Anual de Familias 2026 de la Fundación Síndrome de Dravet, que se celebrará el 21 de marzo de 2026 en Madrid.
La inscripción es gratuita e incluye:
- Café y bebidas
- Comida
- Asistencia a todas las sesiones
- Material de la conferencia
- Servicio de cuidadores para las personas con síndrome de Dravet y sus hermanos
Para más información sobre este evento, visita nuestra página de inicio.
¡Haz tu donación!
Tu aportación se destinará a ayudar a nuestros guerreros y sus familias en su lucha contra el síndrome de Dravet, para conseguir que no pierdan nunca la sonrisa.
