Replacing valproate in the treatment of epilepsy and bipolar disorder

Prof Robin Williams

Hosted by: King's Epilepsy Research Collective (KERC)

Date and time: 2^nd May 2024, 2pm

Location: Hybrid meeting

• in-person at the James Black Centre seminar room, Denmark Hill campus
• online on Zoom (join Zoom meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85363005519; Meeting ID: 853 6300 5519)

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Biography: Prof Robin Williams is a molecular cell biologist in with an extensive history in the field of epilepsy and bipolar disorder drug discovery. His specialist interest is in understanding the mechanisms of valproate and the development of safer alternatives. Robin did his PhD in Australia, with later positions at the University of St Andrews and UCL, and was awarded a Wellcome Trust Career Development Fellowship. He is now Professor of Molecular Cell Biology in the Centre for Biomedical Sciences at Royal Holloway University of London. His expertise relates to cellular models of disease, encompassing areas of molecular cell biology, neuroscience, pharmacology, and drug discovery. His research has identified molecular mechanisms of valproate leading to the development of replacements including a dietary treatment, in use by the NHS (K.vita), and a drug-like compound that is currently progressing through safety testing prior to first in human trials. His research focus is now to further investigate these treatments, using human cellular models for epilepsy, bipolar disorder, metabolic disorders and ageing. His ultimate goal is to improve the physical and mental health of our society.