Sufferers of epilepsy across the country breathed a collective sigh of relief as it was announced a vital drug in combating the condition would not be withdrawn.

For people like Jean Davies, of Tunnel Cottages, Old Warden the news put an end to anxious months of waiting.

The 67-year-old has suffered from epilepsy for 38 years, and for most of that time she has been taking the anti-epileptic drug Mysoline.

Jean said: "It just makes the difference between having the seizures and sensations and not, so it does the complete job.

"If it was withdrawn it would make a big difference to myself and many others. It's something that has been really concerning myself and a great many others."

In June last year the makers of the drug, AstraZenca, announced they would be discontinuing it at the end of the year, blaming low demand for the decision.

After pressure from Epilepsy Action and other health professionals the company agreed to extend production until the end of 2006.

But now the licence is to be transferred to another company - Acorus Therapeutics Limited - ensuring it is continued.

For the full story see the July 9 edition of The Chronicle.