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Oral levetiracetam
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 Epilepsy (adjunctive therapy for partial-onset seizures), Epilepsy (adjunctive therapy for myoclonic seizures), Epilepsy (adjunctive therapy for primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures).
At a glance
| Generic name | Oral levetiracetam |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Keppra, Iracet Injection, Neurocet Injection, levetiracetam |
| Sponsor | Children's Hospital of Fudan University |
| Drug class | Antiepileptic agent |
| 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 reduces the release of excitatory neurotransmitters and stabilizes neuronal membranes, thereby decreasing seizure susceptibility. The exact mechanism is not fully elucidated, but SV2A binding is considered the primary molecular action responsible for its antiepileptic effects.
Approved indications
- Epilepsy (adjunctive therapy for partial-onset seizures)
- Epilepsy (adjunctive therapy for myoclonic seizures)
- Epilepsy (adjunctive therapy for primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures)
Common side effects
- Somnolence
- Asthenia/fatigue
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Behavioral/mood changes
- Ataxia
- Infection
Key clinical trials
- Levetiracetam Three Times Daily in Epilepsy (PHASE3)
- 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)
- B6 Administration for Levetiracetam-Associated Neurobehavioral Changes and Epilepsy (NA)
- Evaluation of Levetiracetam's Effectiveness and Tolerability for Treating Epilepsy in Older Adults (PHASE4)
- Bioequivalence Study of Levetiracetam 1500 mg Coated Granules in Healthy, Male Subjects (PHASE1)
- Seizure Prevention in Traumatic Brain Injury With Levetiracetam and Lacosamide (PHASE4)
- Efficacy of Prophylactic Levetiracetam for Improving Functional Outcome in the Acute Phase of Intracerebral Haemorrhage: a Randomised, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled, Phase 3 Trial (PHASE3)
- Treatment of Seizures in Neonate With HIE (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:
- Oral levetiracetam CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Oral levetiracetam updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Children's Hospital of Fudan University portfolio CI