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Valproic acid, sodium salt
Valproic acid inhibits histone deacetylases and enhances GABA neurotransmission, leading to increased inhibitory signaling in the central nervous system.
Valproic acid inhibits histone deacetylases and enhances GABA neurotransmission, leading to increased inhibitory signaling in the central nervous system. Used for Epilepsy and seizure disorders, Bipolar disorder (acute mania), Migraine prophylaxis.
At a glance
| Generic name | Valproic acid, sodium salt |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Sanofi |
| Drug class | Histone deacetylase inhibitor; anticonvulsant; mood stabilizer |
| Target | Histone deacetylase (HDAC); GABA metabolism |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Neurology; Psychiatry; Oncology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Valproic acid (sodium salt) works through multiple mechanisms: it inhibits histone deacetylase enzymes, which increases histone acetylation and alters gene expression; it also increases brain levels of GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter, by enhancing its synthesis and reducing its catabolism. These combined effects produce anticonvulsant, mood-stabilizing, and neuroprotective properties.
Approved indications
- Epilepsy and seizure disorders
- Bipolar disorder (acute mania)
- Migraine prophylaxis
- Investigational use in certain cancers (histone deacetylase inhibition)
Common side effects
- Tremor
- Weight gain
- Alopecia (hair loss)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Hepatotoxicity
- Thrombocytopenia
- Pancreatitis
- Sedation
Key clinical trials
- Valproic AcId for Traumatic BRAin INjury Trial (PHASE2, PHASE3)
- Valproic Acid (VPA) for Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) in Liver Transplant Patients (PHASE2)
- Valproic Acid (VPA) for Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) in Trauma Patients (PHASE2)
- Efficacy Study of Intravenous Sodium Valproate in Addition to First Line Anti Epileptic Treatment of Generalized Convulsive Status Epilepticus. (NA)
- Medication Strategies for Treating Aggressive Behavior in Youth With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (PHASE4)
- Valproic Acid Sodium Salt in Bipolar Disorder (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:
- Valproic acid, sodium salt CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Valproic acid, sodium salt updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Sanofi portfolio CI