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Keppra XR (Levetiracetam XR)
Keppra XR (Levetiracetam XR) is a Anticonvulsant / Antiepileptic drug Small molecule drug developed by UCB Pharma. It is currently in Phase 3 development for Adjunctive therapy for partial-onset seizures in epilepsy, Adjunctive therapy for myoclonic seizures in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, Adjunctive therapy for primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Also known as: Keppra XR.
Levetiracetam reduces seizure activity by binding to synaptic vesicle protein SV2A and modulating neurotransmitter release.
Levetiracetam reduces seizure activity by binding to synaptic vesicle protein SV2A and modulating neurotransmitter release. Used for Adjunctive therapy for partial-onset seizures in epilepsy, Adjunctive therapy for myoclonic seizures in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, Adjunctive therapy for primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures.
At a glance
| Generic name | Keppra XR (Levetiracetam XR) |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Keppra XR |
| Sponsor | UCB Pharma |
| Drug class | Anticonvulsant / Antiepileptic drug |
| Target | SV2A (synaptic vesicle protein 2A) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Neurology |
| Phase | Phase 3 |
Mechanism of action
Levetiracetam's exact mechanism is not fully understood, but it is believed to work primarily through binding to the synaptic vesicle protein SV2A, which may affect calcium-dependent neurotransmitter release and neuronal excitability. The extended-release (XR) formulation provides sustained drug levels over 24 hours, allowing for once-daily dosing compared to the immediate-release formulation. This mechanism differs from traditional anticonvulsants and does not involve GABA modulation or sodium channel blockade.
Approved indications
- Adjunctive therapy for partial-onset seizures in epilepsy
- Adjunctive therapy for myoclonic seizures in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy
- Adjunctive therapy for primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures
Common side effects
- Somnolence
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Behavioral/mood changes (irritability, aggression)
- Ataxia
- Infection
Key clinical trials
- Efficacy of Hydroxyzine for Patients With Panic Disorder (PHASE4)
- A Study to Look at the Efficacy and Safety of Keppra® Extended Release Formulation - XR (PHASE3)
- Study Evaluating the Pharmacokinetics of Keppra Extended Release (XR) in Children and Adults With Epilepsy (PHASE2)
- Conversion to Monotherapy Study With Keppra XR for Partial Seizures (PHASE3)
- Long Term Follow-up Study With Keppra XR (Levetiracetam XR) for Partial Seizures (PHASE3)
- Levetiracetam XR in Very Heavy Drinkers (PHASE2)
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:
- Keppra XR (Levetiracetam XR) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Keppra XR (Levetiracetam XR) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- UCB Pharma portfolio CI
Frequently asked questions about Keppra XR (Levetiracetam XR)
What is Keppra XR (Levetiracetam XR)?
How does Keppra XR (Levetiracetam XR) work?
What is Keppra XR (Levetiracetam XR) used for?
Who makes Keppra XR (Levetiracetam XR)?
Is Keppra XR (Levetiracetam XR) also known as anything else?
What drug class is Keppra XR (Levetiracetam XR) in?
What development phase is Keppra XR (Levetiracetam XR) in?
What are the side effects of Keppra XR (Levetiracetam XR)?
What does Keppra XR (Levetiracetam XR) target?
Related
- Drug class: All Anticonvulsant / Antiepileptic drug drugs
- Target: All drugs targeting SV2A (synaptic vesicle protein 2A)
- Manufacturer: UCB Pharma — full pipeline
- Therapeutic area: All drugs in Neurology
- Indication: Drugs for Adjunctive therapy for partial-onset seizures in epilepsy
- Indication: Drugs for Adjunctive therapy for myoclonic seizures in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy
- Indication: Drugs for Adjunctive therapy for primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures
- Also known as: Keppra XR
- Compare: Keppra XR (Levetiracetam XR) vs similar drugs
- Pricing: Keppra XR (Levetiracetam XR) cost, discount & access