Arizona Neuroscience Research (ANR) in Phoenix is now enrolling adults with focal epilepsy in the POWER-1 study (PRAX-628-321). This global trial is testing an investigational drug, PRAX-628, designed to reduce seizures in patients who continue to experience them despite current medications. Participants may receive no-cost study care, close monitoring, and access to investigational therapy at ANR’s Phoenix locations. For Valley residents in Scottsdale, Chandler, Tempe, Mesa, Paradise Valley, Arcadia, and Biltmore, the POWER-1 study offers access to tomorrow’s epilepsy treatments today—without long waits at Mayo, Banner, or Barrow.

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One-Sentence Summary

Phoenix residents with focal epilepsy can now join ANR’s POWER-1 study to access investigational therapy, no-cost care, and expert neurologists in Arizona’s leading research center.

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Main Body (Part 1: ~3,000 words)

What Is Focal Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is not one single condition but a spectrum of disorders defined by a tendency to have recurrent, unprovoked seizures. Focal epilepsy, also called partial epilepsy, occurs when seizures originate from a specific part of the brain rather than involving the entire brain at once.

Key Features of Focal Seizures

• Localized onset: They begin in one region, such as the temporal, frontal, or occipital lobe.
• Focal aware seizures: Consciousness is preserved; patients may experience unusual sensations, tastes, smells, or sudden emotions.
• Focal impaired-awareness seizures: Patients lose awareness, may stare blankly, perform repetitive movements, or become confused.
• Focal to bilateral tonic-clonic seizures: Seizures that start focal but spread to cause convulsions.

Because they are so variable, focal seizures are often misdiagnosed—or dismissed as stress, anxiety, or even daydreaming.

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The Burden of Focal Epilepsy in Phoenix and Arizona

Phoenix is one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the U.S., with a population now exceeding 5 million in the Valley. Neurological disorders like epilepsy are rising alongside this growth.

Prevalence

• About 1 in 26 Americans will develop epilepsy in their lifetime.
• Roughly 60% of epilepsy cases are focal.
• In Phoenix, this translates to tens of thousands of Valley residents living with focal epilepsy.

Arizona-Specific Challenges

• Driving restrictions: Arizona law requires seizure-free intervals before patients can drive. For Valley residents spread across Mesa, Chandler, and Glendale, this can mean job loss and loss of independence.
• Climate stress: Phoenix summers routinely hit 110°F. Heat, dehydration, and poor sleep are known seizure triggers.
• Monsoon season: Sudden barometric pressure shifts worsen seizures for some patients.
• Healthcare delays: Long waits at Mayo Clinic Scottsdale, Banner, or Barrow Neurological Institute discourage timely care.

Real-Life Impact

• A Tempe student may miss classes or exams after a seizure.
• A Chandler parent may be unable to drive kids to school after losing their license.
• A Paradise Valley retiree may stop social activities for fear of public seizures.
• A Scottsdale professional may risk job performance after breakthrough seizures in the workplace.

Epilepsy is more than seizures—it affects education, relationships, independence, and income.

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Current Treatment Options for Focal Epilepsy

Most patients are prescribed antiseizure medications (ASMs) such as carbamazepine, lamotrigine, levetiracetam, or valproate. These drugs reduce seizure frequency for many but are far from perfect.

Limitations of Current Medications

• Drug resistance: About one-third of patients remain uncontrolled despite trying multiple ASMs.
• Side effects: Fatigue, dizziness, memory issues, weight changes, and mood swings.
• Interactions: Many ASMs interfere with other medications, complicating treatment for patients with multiple health issues.
• Incomplete seizure control: Breakthrough seizures remain common.

Devices and Surgery

• Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) and responsive neurostimulation (RNS) devices can help but require surgery.
• Resective brain surgery may cure some patients, but it is invasive and not always feasible.

For many Phoenix patients, these limitations mean ongoing seizures, ER visits, lost independence, and reduced quality of life.

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Why New Treatments Are Needed

Despite decades of ASM development, drug resistance remains one of the greatest challenges in epilepsy. Phoenix neurologists see countless patients who:

• Have tried 2–3 medications with limited success.
• Struggle with intolerable side effects.
• Live with uncertainty about when the next seizure will strike.

The Promise of PRAX-628

The POWER-1 trial is testing PRAX-628, an investigational therapy designed with a novel mechanism to:

• Better target focal seizures.
• Offer improved tolerability compared to older ASMs.
• Provide new hope for patients who remain uncontrolled.

Unlike older drugs developed decades ago, PRAX-628 was built with modern neuroscience and precision targeting in mind.

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Phoenix Context: Why This Study Matters Locally

Driving and Independence

For Valley residents, seizure freedom isn’t just medical—it’s about independence. Without it, patients lose their ability to drive, to commute to work, and to care for families. Participation in trials like POWER-1 offers a path toward regaining that independence.

Workplace Productivity

Phoenix’s economy thrives on high-performance industries like healthcare, aerospace, and technology. Seizures disrupt jobs, cost employers millions, and hold back patients who want to contribute fully.

Family Burden

Caregivers in Scottsdale, Mesa, and Chandler juggle appointments, medication management, and the constant worry of seizures. A therapy that reduces seizure burden eases pressure on the entire family.

Emergency Room Strain

Banner and St. Joseph’s hospitals see frequent ER visits for seizures. New treatments reduce this strain, improving the Valley’s healthcare system overall.

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Phoenix Patient Story: “Ashley in Arcadia”

Ashley, a 32-year-old teacher in Arcadia, has lived with focal epilepsy since her early 20s. She’s tried levetiracetam and lamotrigine but still experiences 3–4 seizures monthly. Each one disrupts her ability to drive, teach, and care for her family.

When Ashley learns about ANR’s POWER-1 study, she sees a chance to try a next-generation therapy while receiving no-cost, closely monitored care. For Ashley, the trial represents more than science—it’s a potential return to independence, stability, and confidence.

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Why Phoenix Patients Choose ANR Over Mayo, Banner, and Barrow

• Shorter waits: No 6–12 month delays like Mayo.
• Research-first focus: Unlike Banner and Barrow, ANR is dedicated solely to neurology trials.
• Accessible locations: Arcadia/Biltmore and North Phoenix, with free parking.
• Personalized support: Coordinators and bilingual staff who guide patients every step of the way.
  
  
  The POWER-1 trial (PRAX-628-321) is a Phase 2 study designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of PRAX-628, a next-generation investigational drug for focal epilepsy. While many antiseizure medications (ASMs) were developed decades ago, PRAX-628 represents a modern approach with the goal of addressing drug-resistant focal epilepsy.
  Key Elements of the Trial
  Phase 2: Focused on both safety and efficacy before moving to larger Phase 3 trials.
  Randomized and placebo-controlled: Participants are randomly assigned to receive either PRAX-628 or placebo, ensuring scientific accuracy.
  Double-blind: Neither participants nor doctors know who is receiving the investigational therapy vs placebo during the blinded phase.
  Extension period: After the initial blinded portion, all participants may enter an open-label extension, ensuring access to PRAX-628.
  
  Trial Goals
  Seizure Frequency Reduction
  The primary goal is to determine whether PRAX-628 significantly reduces the number of focal seizures in patients who continue to have them despite current ASMs.
  Safety and Tolerability
  Side effects and long-term safety are monitored closely at each visit.
  Quality of Life Measures
  Participants complete questionnaires and diaries assessing sleep, mood, memory, and daily function.
  
  Visit Schedule: What Phoenix Patients Can Expect
  Participation in POWER-1 involves ~10–12 visits at ANR’s Phoenix locations over 9–12 months.
  Typical Journey
  Screening (Visit 1)
  Review of medical history, current ASMs, seizure diary introduction.
  EEG or brain imaging may be performed at [EEG Testing Phoenix AZ] or [Brain Scan Center Phoenix].
  Baseline Period
  Patients track seizure frequency for 4–6 weeks using diaries or digital tools.
  Establishes a clear picture of seizure activity before treatment begins.
  Randomization (Visit 2)
  Participants are assigned to either PRAX-628 or placebo.
  First dose administered under supervision.
  Treatment Phase (Visits 3–8)
  Regular visits every 4–6 weeks to monitor progress, review seizure diaries, and perform labs.
  Telehealth check-ins may supplement in-person visits.
  Extension Phase
  After the blinded trial, all participants may continue into an open-label phase where everyone receives PRAX-628.
  Final Visit
  End-of-study evaluation, seizure review, and discussion of future care options.
  
  Eligibility Criteria
  Phoenix residents may qualify if they:
  Are 18–75 years old.
  Have a diagnosis of focal epilepsy.
  Are currently taking 1–2 antiseizure medications but still experiencing seizures.
  Are able to keep a daily seizure diary.
  Are willing to commit to ~10–12 visits at ANR’s Phoenix sites.
  Exclusion factors may include:
  Primary generalized epilepsy.
  Uncontrolled psychiatric conditions.
  Unstable medical conditions (e.g., severe cardiac, hepatic issues).
  Recent participation in another investigational study.
  ANR’s neurology specialists Phoenix review every case carefully during screening to ensure eligibility and safety.
  
  Participant Benefits
  No-Cost Care
  All study-related visits, labs, and medication are provided at no cost—removing the insurance barriers that so many Arizona patients face.
  Access to Next-Generation Therapy
  Participants may receive PRAX-628 before it is available commercially. Even those who start on placebo may later transition to the open-label extension with access to the investigational therapy.
  Expert Oversight
  Patients are cared for by ANR’s board-certified neurologists and coordinators, with deep expertise in epilepsy care.
  Advanced Diagnostics
  ANR provides access to cutting-edge tools such as:
  [EEG Testing Phoenix AZ]
  [Brain Scan Center Phoenix]
  [EMG Testing Phoenix]
  Contribution to Science
  By participating, Phoenix patients help advance epilepsy care globally, while directly improving access in Arizona.
  
  Phoenix Patient Journey Example: “Michael in Mesa”
  Michael, a 27-year-old IT professional in Mesa, has had focal seizures since childhood. Despite taking levetiracetam and lamotrigine, he still experiences 2–3 seizures per month.
  Step 1: He searches epilepsy care Phoenix and finds ANR’s POWER-1 study.
  Step 2: At his screening visit, coordinators review his history, confirm his eligibility, and set up his seizure diary.
  Step 3: He’s randomized into the trial. Within two months, he notices fewer seizures logged.
  Step 4: During the extension, he gains full access to PRAX-628 and experiences his first seizure-free month in years.
  Step 5: Michael regains his driving privileges, reducing strain on his family and improving his work commute.
  
  Why POWER-1 Matters in Phoenix
  Driving independence: Arizona driving laws require seizure-free intervals. Reduced seizures = restored independence.
  Economic productivity: Fewer seizures mean fewer sick days for Phoenix’s workforce in Chandler’s semiconductor plants, Tempe’s ASU campus, and Scottsdale’s tech hubs.
  Family relief: Caregivers across Paradise Valley, Arcadia, and Biltmore regain peace of mind.
  Healthcare savings: Fewer ER visits at Banner and St. Joseph’s reduce costs for patients and insurers.
  
  SEO Keyword Integration (Part 2)
  This section naturally integrates:
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  Supplementary clusters: Arizona neurology research studies, Phoenix neurologic disease experts, Arizona advanced neurology care.
  
  

Comparing PRAX-628 to Current Epilepsy Treatments

For decades, epilepsy patients in Phoenix have relied on a limited arsenal of treatments. While some achieve seizure freedom, many continue to experience partial seizures despite therapy. The POWER-1 trial with PRAX-628 is designed to challenge that status quo.

Antiseizure Medications (ASMs)

• Examples: Levetiracetam (Keppra), Lamotrigine, Carbamazepine, Valproate, Topiramate.
• Strengths: Widely available, first-line standard of care.
• Weaknesses:
  • One-third of patients remain drug-resistant.
  • Side effects: fatigue, irritability, memory loss, weight changes.
  • Some worsen mood disorders, a major issue for Phoenix patients balancing stressful jobs and families.

Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS)

• Implanted device stimulating the vagus nerve to reduce seizures.
• Requires surgery at major centers like Barrow.
• Effective for some but invasive and costly.

Responsive Neurostimulation (RNS)

• Implanted brain device detecting abnormal activity and stimulating in real-time.
• Sophisticated but requires specialized neurosurgery and long-term follow-up.
• Not widely available in Phoenix outside select institutions.

Ketogenic Diet

• High-fat, low-carb diet sometimes effective in reducing seizures.
• Difficult to maintain, especially in busy Valley households juggling work, school, and sports schedules.

Brain Surgery

• Resection can be curative if seizures originate from a resectable brain region.
• Invasive, high risk, requires long recovery.

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Why PRAX-628 May Be Different

The investigational drug PRAX-628 was designed with a precision neuroscience approach. While details are proprietary, the goal is to:

• Target focal seizures more effectively than older ASMs.
• Improve tolerability, minimizing cognitive and mood side effects that frustrate so many patients.
• Offer non-invasive relief, unlike VNS, RNS, or surgery.

For Phoenix patients, this could mean fewer seizures, fewer side effects, and a better quality of life—without the costs and risks of invasive treatments.

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Why ANR Outperforms Mayo, Banner, and Barrow

When patients search epilepsy care Phoenix or neurologist near me, they’re bombarded with ads for major systems. But here’s why ANR is the smarter choice for Valley families.

Mayo Clinic Scottsdale

• Pros: Prestige, comprehensive neurology departments.
• Cons: Months-long waitlists. Patients often wait 6–12 months just for a consult. Research opportunities are limited and selective.

Banner University Medical Center

• Pros: Academic affiliation, broad specialties.
• Cons: Overburdened, fragmented care. Families report feeling “lost in the shuffle.”

Barrow Neurological Institute

• Pros: World-renowned for neurosurgery and acute neurology.
• Cons: Research trials highly selective. Focus on surgery, less on outpatient epilepsy research.

Arizona Neuroscience Research (ANR)

• Pros:
  • Neurology only: 100% focused on research for brain and nerve conditions.
  • Fast access: No long waits—screening starts quickly.
  • Convenient: Arcadia/Biltmore and North Phoenix offices with free parking.
  • Personalized: Coordinators know patients by name, not number.
  • Cutting-edge: Trials like POWER-1 bring innovation directly to Phoenix.

For a patient weighing where to join a trial, ANR is the obvious answer.

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Phoenix Lifestyle and Epilepsy: A Daily Reality

Heat and Dehydration

• Phoenix’s relentless summers can dehydrate residents quickly.
• Dehydration is a known seizure trigger.
• Patients who join ANR’s trial receive close monitoring and education on managing Arizona-specific triggers.

Monsoon Season

• Sudden weather changes in July–August bring barometric pressure swings.
• Some patients see seizure spikes during this season.
• Trial diaries help correlate seizures with environmental triggers—unique data from Phoenix.

Commuting and Driving Restrictions

• Arizona law requires seizure-free periods for driver’s license eligibility.
• Patients in Mesa or Chandler may face job loss if they cannot commute.
• Improved seizure control in trials like POWER-1 may restore driving privileges, independence, and dignity.

Valley Sports and Social Life

• Phoenix Suns, Arizona Cardinals, Diamondbacks, and ASU Sun Devils define Valley pride.
• Many patients avoid large gatherings for fear of seizures in public.
• Better control means rejoining these cultural touchstones.

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Family and Workplace Impact

Epilepsy is never just about the patient—it affects caregivers, employers, and communities.

Family Burden

• Parents in Scottsdale: Missing work for children’s seizures.
• Spouses in Paradise Valley: Taking over driving, financial, and caregiving responsibilities.
• Kids in Mesa: Growing up with constant worry about a parent’s seizures.

By reducing seizure frequency, trials like POWER-1 ease entire families’ burdens, not just patients’.

Workplace Productivity

• Phoenix’s major employers—from Intel in Chandler to Mayo Scottsdale—depend on consistent workforce performance.
• Seizures disrupt schedules, cause missed deadlines, and lower productivity.
• Participation in research not only benefits patients but also strengthens Arizona’s workforce.

Healthcare Costs

• Frequent ER visits at Banner or Abrazo drive costs for patients and insurers.
• New therapies could reduce this strain, improving the healthcare system overall.

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Phoenix Patient Story: “Stephanie in Tempe”

Stephanie, a 30-year-old grad student at ASU, has focal epilepsy. Despite trying two ASMs, she still has monthly seizures. She worries about her studies, her ability to drive, and her future career.

By joining ANR’s POWER-1 trial:

• She receives investigational therapy under expert supervision.
• Her seizure diary shows a gradual reduction in frequency.
• She regains confidence, focuses on her PhD, and reclaims independence.

For Stephanie, ANR isn’t just a clinic—it’s her path back to possibility.

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SEO Keyword Integration (Part 3)

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Supplementary clusters: Arizona neurology research studies, Phoenix neurologic disease experts, Arizona advanced neurology care.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. What is the POWER-1 study?
It’s a clinical trial testing PRAX-628, an investigational therapy designed to reduce seizures in people with focal epilepsy.

Q2. Who can join?
Adults 18–75 with focal epilepsy who still have seizures despite medication.

Q3. Where is it available in Arizona?
At Arizona Neuroscience Research (ANR) in Phoenix, with offices in Arcadia/Biltmore and North Phoenix.

Q4. Do I need insurance to join?
No. Study-related care, visits, and medication are provided at no cost.

Q5. How long does the study last?
About 9–12 months, including screening, treatment, and an extension phase.

Q6. Will I definitely receive the investigational drug?
Some participants start with placebo, but everyone may access PRAX-628 in the extension phase.

Q7. What are focal seizures?
Seizures that start in one specific area of the brain and may remain localized or spread.

Q8. How are focal seizures different from generalized seizures?
Generalized seizures affect the whole brain at once; focal seizures begin in a single region.

Q9. What symptoms do focal seizures cause?
Confusion, déjà vu, strange smells/tastes, repetitive movements, staring spells, or full convulsions if they spread.

Q10. How many people in Phoenix have epilepsy?
Tens of thousands. About 1 in 26 Americans will develop epilepsy in their lifetime, and 60% of those cases are focal.

Q11. What triggers seizures in Arizona?
Heat, dehydration, monsoon storms, lack of sleep, and stress are common Phoenix triggers.

Q12. Why is driving restricted?
Arizona law requires patients to be seizure-free for a set period to maintain driving privileges.

Q13. How does epilepsy affect work?
Missed days, reduced productivity, and job insecurity are common in Phoenix workplaces.

Q14. Will I be paid for joining?
Some studies offer reimbursement for time and travel. Ask ANR coordinators for details.

Q15. What if I already take 2 or more medications?
You may still qualify if seizures continue despite therapy.

Q16. Can I drop out of the study?
Yes, participation is always voluntary.

Q17. Who monitors my safety?
ANR neurologists, study coordinators, and regulatory bodies like the FDA.

Q18. What are the side effects of PRAX-628?
As an investigational therapy, all side effects are being studied, but participants are closely monitored.

Q19. Is the study FDA-approved?
The trial is FDA-regulated, but the drug itself is not yet FDA-approved.

Q20. What happens if I have a seizure during the study?
ANR staff provide immediate care and adjust treatment as needed.

Q21. Can seniors join?
Yes, if under age 75 and meeting eligibility.

Q22. Can I continue seeing my neurologist?
Yes, you can maintain regular care outside the trial.

Q23. Will my data be safe?
Yes, protected under HIPAA and research privacy laws.

Q24. Do I need to live in Phoenix proper?
No. Patients from Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler, Tempe, Glendale, Arcadia, Paradise Valley, and Biltmore are welcome.

Q25. Can students join?
Yes, if they meet age and medical criteria. Many ASU and GCU students qualify.

Q26. Will I need EEG scans?
Yes, EEGs may be used to monitor brain activity during the study.

Q27. What if I miss a visit?
Coordinators will help reschedule to keep you on track.

Q28. Can I join if I have generalized epilepsy?
No, this study focuses on focal epilepsy.

Q29. Are telehealth visits allowed?
Yes, some follow-ups can be virtual.

Q30. What happens after the study ends?
You return to your regular neurologist, and global trial results are typically published.

Q31. Why join at ANR instead of Mayo?
ANR offers faster access, no long waits, and is focused solely on neurology trials.

Q32. Why not Banner or Barrow?
Those centers are excellent but overburdened or surgery-focused. ANR specializes in outpatient neurology research.

Q33. Does ethnicity matter for enrollment?
No, but diverse participation is encouraged to ensure results apply to everyone.

Q34. Can caregivers be involved?
Yes, caregivers play a vital role in helping with diaries and appointments.

Q35. Will I lose my driver’s license?
Driving laws apply regardless of study participation, but seizure control may help restore eligibility.

Q36. Do I have to pay for medication?
No, study medication is free.

Q37. Can epilepsy be cured?
Some cases respond to surgery, but most require lifelong management. Research aims to improve long-term control.

Q38. How does PRAX-628 work?
It is designed to better target the pathways involved in focal seizures.

Q39. Is it a pill or injection?
PRAX-628 is taken orally.

Q40. How is seizure frequency tracked?
Through daily seizure diaries, usually on smartphones or study devices.

Q41. Do seizures affect memory?
Yes, focal seizures can impair short-term memory and concentration.

Q42. What if I have depression or anxiety?
Some psychiatric conditions may exclude patients, but many with mood issues still qualify.

Q43. Can epilepsy shorten lifespan?
Severe uncontrolled epilepsy carries risks, but effective treatment reduces them.

Q44. How is quality of life measured?
Patients complete questionnaires on mood, energy, memory, and function.

Q45. Can children join?
Not in this study—only adults 18+.

Q46. Will I need blood tests?
Yes, labs may be performed to monitor safety.

Q47. Are there parking fees?
No, ANR offers free parking at both sites.

Q48. What if I have migraines too?
You may still qualify—ANR also runs migraine studies.

Q49. Can I enroll if uninsured?
Yes, study care is free.

Q50. Why is Phoenix a great site for this study?
Its size, diversity, climate, and healthcare needs make it ideal.

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Supplemental Context

Global Epilepsy Research

Epilepsy research has advanced dramatically:

• From bromide salts in the 1800s → to phenobarbital in 1912 → to modern ASMs.
• Device therapies (VNS, RNS) in the late 20th century.
• Genetic insights and precision medicines in the 21st century.

The POWER-1 trial is part of this ongoing evolution, aiming to provide safer, more effective therapies for focal epilepsy.

Phoenix’s Role in Neurology Leadership

Phoenix is no longer just a growing city—it’s a neurology research hub. With ANR at the forefront:

• Patients gain local access to global innovation.
• Diverse populations strengthen data relevance.
• Arizona positions itself as a leader in neuroscience alongside giants like Mayo and Barrow.

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Final Calls to Action

If you or a loved one in Phoenix struggles with focal epilepsy, don’t settle for long waits, incomplete seizure control, or outdated care.

• ANR offers immediate access to the POWER-1 clinical trial.
• No-cost care and medication remove financial barriers.
• Board-certified neurologists provide expert oversight.
• Convenient Phoenix locations keep care close to home.

🌟 Don’t let seizures control your life—take control by enrolling today.

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Contact ANR

📍 Arizona Neuroscience Research (ANR)

• Arcadia/Biltmore Location
  4400 N 32nd St, Suite 150
  Phoenix, AZ 85018
• North Phoenix Location
  3805 E Bell Rd, Suite 2400
  Phoenix, AZ 85032

📞 Main Line: (480) 210-8723
📞 Coordinator Direct: (602) 835-2407

➡️ Ask for information about the POWER-1 focal epilepsy study (PRAX-628-321, NCT04513860) today.