According to a study published in the journal Science, researchers from UCL have developed a novel medication for neurological and psychiatric illnesses that lowers the excitability of hyperactive brain cells. In the new treatment using gene therapy, the overactive cells were altered while sparing the cells that were acting normally.

Many brain diseases, such as epilepsy, are caused by the excessive activity of a small number of brain cells. The researchers stated that in several scenarios, brain cells do not respond well to drug treatment, mainly because the drugs have a comprehensive impact on the brain. In contrast, genetic therapies could be a promising way to treat these conditions.

To create the new therapy, researchers screened several genes known to "switch on" in response to stimulation and coupled their promoters to potassium channels. They found that a gene called cfos promoter, in combination with the KCNA1 potassium channel gene was highly effective in calming neuronal excitability following an induced seizure. They also found that the combination was effective in suppressing spontaneous seizures without having any negative effects on cognition. 

(Source: https://theprint.in/health/researchers-suggest-gene-therapy-to-treat-neurological-disorders/1196637/ )