A kill switch for epilepsy? China cuts seizures by 92.6% in first human chemogenetic trial

A kill switch for epilepsy? China cuts seizures by 92.6% in first human chemogenetic trialStudy results show a new way that might dramatically reduce – and in some cases eliminate – dangerous and frightening attacksPublished: 9:00pm, 6 Nov 2026For people living with refractory epilepsy, the brain is like a city that can suffer a blackout any time lightning strikes.Without warning, an abnormal neural discharge can sweep through the intracranial circuits, leaving behind convulsions, loss of consciousness and years of lingering panic.Around one-third of epilepsy patients worldwide are completely unresponsive to existing medications, while traditional craniotomy resection surgery often carries the risk of irreversible neurological deficits.