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LEV
LEV (levetiracetam) reduces neuronal excitability and seizure propagation through binding to synaptic vesicle protein SV2A.
LEV (levetiracetam) reduces neuronal excitability and seizure propagation through binding to synaptic vesicle protein SV2A. Used for Partial-onset seizures (adjunctive therapy), Myoclonic seizures in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (adjunctive therapy), Primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures (adjunctive therapy).
At a glance
| Generic name | LEV |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | GlaxoSmithKline |
| Drug class | Antiepileptic agent |
| Target | SV2A (synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Neurology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Levetiracetam binds to the synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A (SV2A) in the brain, which modulates neurotransmitter release and reduces abnormal neuronal firing. This mechanism differs from classical anticonvulsants and helps prevent seizure initiation and spread. The exact downstream effects of SV2A binding that lead to seizure suppression are not fully elucidated but appear to involve modulation of calcium channels and synaptic plasticity.
Approved indications
- Partial-onset seizures (adjunctive therapy)
- Myoclonic seizures in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (adjunctive therapy)
- Primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures (adjunctive therapy)
Common side effects
- Somnolence
- Asthenia/fatigue
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Behavioral/mood changes
- Infection
Key clinical trials
- Ketamine add-on Therapy for Established Status Epilepticus Treatment Trial (KESETT) (PHASE3)
- Levetiracetam for Persons at Risk for Alzheimer's Disease (PHASE2)
- A Single-Arm Phase 2 Study With Optimized Standard Protocol for Severe Aplastic Anemia (PHASE2)
- LEvetiracetam to Prevent Seizures in Symptomatic Alzheimer's Disease in Adults With Down Syndrome (PHASE3)
- Levetiracetam Treatment of Neonatal Seizures: Safety and Efficacy Phase II Study (PHASE2)
- Dupilumab Therapy in Nephrotic Syndrome in Children (PHASE2)
- A Dose Escalation Study of Levetiracetam in the Treatment of Neonatal Seizures (PHASE2)
- 2-Year Study of Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Higher-Grade Treatment-Resistant Depression: Clinical Outcomes and Policy Recommendation
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:
- LEV CI brief — competitive landscape report
- LEV updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- GlaxoSmithKline portfolio CI