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Levetiracetam (Keppra)
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 Partial-onset seizures (adjunctive therapy), Myoclonic seizures in patients with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (adjunctive therapy), Primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures (adjunctive therapy).
At a glance
| Generic name | Levetiracetam (Keppra) |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Keppra, KEPPRA |
| Sponsor | UCB Pharma |
| Drug class | Antiepileptic drug (AED) |
| Target | SV2A (synaptic vesicle protein 2A) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Neurology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Levetiracetam is a pyrrolidone derivative that binds to the synaptic vesicle protein SV2A, which is involved in vesicle exocytosis and neurotransmitter release. This binding mechanism is distinct from other antiepileptic drugs and appears to stabilize neuronal membranes and reduce seizure propagation. The exact downstream effects of SV2A binding that lead to anticonvulsant activity are not fully elucidated but likely involve modulation of calcium-dependent neurotransmitter release.
Approved indications
- Partial-onset seizures (adjunctive therapy)
- Myoclonic seizures in patients with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (adjunctive therapy)
- Primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures (adjunctive therapy)
Common side effects
- Somnolence
- Asthenia/fatigue
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Behavioral/mood changes (irritability, aggression)
- Ataxia
- Infection
Key clinical trials
- Levetiracetam Three Times Daily in Epilepsy (PHASE3)
- Prophylactic Anti-Seizure Medication vs No Anti-Seizure Medication for Patients With Primary Motor Cortex Brain Metastases (PHASE2)
- Ketamine add-on Therapy for Established Status Epilepticus Treatment Trial (KESETT) (PHASE3)
- Levetiracetam for Persons at Risk for Alzheimer's Disease (PHASE2)
- A Platform Protocol to Investigate Post-Transplant Cyclophosphamide-Based Graft-Versus-Host Disease Prophylaxis in Patients With Hematologic Malignancies Undergoing Mismatched Unrelated Donor Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation (PHASE2)
- High Dose Ruxolitinib and Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation in Myelofibrosis Patients With Splenomegaly (PHASE2)
- B6 Administration for Levetiracetam-Associated Neurobehavioral Changes and Epilepsy (NA)
- Evaluation of Levetiracetam's Effectiveness and Tolerability for Treating Epilepsy in Older Adults (PHASE4)
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:
- Levetiracetam (Keppra) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Levetiracetam (Keppra) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- UCB Pharma portfolio CI