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Absence epilepsy medications
Absence epilepsy medications work by reducing abnormal electrical activity in the brain that causes brief lapses in consciousness characteristic of absence seizures.
Absence epilepsy medications work by reducing abnormal electrical activity in the brain that causes brief lapses in consciousness characteristic of absence seizures. Used for Absence epilepsy (childhood absence epilepsy, juvenile absence epilepsy).
At a glance
| Generic name | Absence epilepsy medications |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Ethosuximide, valproate or lamotrigine |
| Sponsor | Johns Hopkins University |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Neurology |
| Phase | Phase 3 |
Mechanism of action
These drugs typically act on ion channels or neurotransmitter systems to suppress the synchronized thalamic-cortical oscillations that underlie absence seizures. Common mechanisms include enhancement of GABAergic inhibition, modulation of T-type calcium channels, or effects on sodium channels. The goal is to prevent the 3 Hz spike-and-wave discharges seen on EEG during absence seizures.
Approved indications
- Absence epilepsy (childhood absence epilepsy, juvenile absence epilepsy)
Common side effects
- Sedation or drowsiness
- Ataxia or dizziness
- Behavioral changes
- Gastrointestinal upset
Key clinical trials
- A Study to Test the Long-term Safety and Tolerability of Brivaracetam in Study Participants With Childhood Absence Epilepsy or Juvenile Absence Epilepsy (PHASE3)
- A Study to Evaluate the Efficacy, Safety, and Tolerability of Brivaracetam as Monotherapy in Patients 2 to 25 Years of Age With Childhood Absence Epilepsy or Juvenile Absence Epilepsy (PHASE3)
- A Study to Test the Long-term Safety, Tolerability and Efficacy of Brivaracetam in Study Participants 2 to 26 Years of Age With Childhood Absence Epilepsy or Juvenile Absence Epilepsy (PHASE3)
- A Study Evaluating NPT 2042 Versus Placebo in Subjects Aged 16-75 Years With Genetic Generalized Epilepsy (GGE) and Absence Seizures (PHASE2)
- Ketogenic Diet for New-Onset Absence Epilepsy (PHASE3)
- Evaluation of Memory and Forgetting in Patients With Epilepsy (NA)
- Neurofrailty: A Study of Late-onset Epilepsy and Its Associations
- Seizures During Radiotherapy for High-grade Gliomas (NA)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Absence epilepsy medications CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Absence epilepsy medications updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Johns Hopkins University portfolio CI