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ESL
ESL (eslicarbazepine acetate) is a voltage-gated sodium channel blocker that reduces neuronal excitability and stabilizes seizure threshold.
ESL (eslicarbazepine acetate) is a voltage-gated sodium channel blocker that reduces neuronal excitability and stabilizes seizure threshold. Used for Partial-onset seizures (adjunctive therapy), Partial-onset seizures (monotherapy).
At a glance
| Generic name | ESL |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Zebinix |
| Sponsor | Bial - Portela C S.A. |
| Drug class | Voltage-gated sodium channel blocker; anticonvulsant |
| Target | Voltage-gated sodium channels (Nav) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Neurology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
ESL is a prodrug that is rapidly converted to eslicarbazepine, its active metabolite, which selectively blocks inactivated voltage-gated sodium channels. This reduces repetitive neuronal firing and propagation of seizure activity. The drug also has weak inhibitory effects on calcium channels, contributing to its anticonvulsant properties.
Approved indications
- Partial-onset seizures (adjunctive therapy)
- Partial-onset seizures (monotherapy)
Common side effects
- Dizziness
- Somnolence
- Headache
- Diplopia
- Nausea
- Hyponatremia
- Ataxia
Key clinical trials
- Anti-epileptogenic Effects of Eslicarbazepine Acetate (PHASE2)
- A Open-label, Drug Interaction Study Between Eslicarbazepine Acetate and Topiramate (PHASE1)
- Trial to Evaluate the Effect of Eslicarbazepine Acetate on Cardiac Repolarization (PHASE1)
- A Study to Evaluate the Tolerability and Pharmacokinetics of Two Single and Multiple High Dose Regimens of BIA 2-093 In Healthy Volunteers (PHASE1)
- Disposition of Eslicarbazepine Acetate and Its Metabolites S-licarbazepine and R-licarbazepine (PHASE1)
- Steady-state Pharmacokinetics of BIA 2-093 and Oxcarbazepine in Healthy Volunteers (PHASE1)
- The Effect of BIA 2-093 on the Steady-state Pharmacokinetics of Digoxin (PHASE1)
- Efficacy and Safety Study of BIA 2-093 in Combination With Other Anti-Epileptic Drugs to Treat Partial Epilepsy (PHASE3)
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:
- ESL CI brief — competitive landscape report
- ESL updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Bial - Portela C S.A. portfolio CI