Adjunctive Perampanel for Refractory Focal-Onset Seizures

In a phase III trial, an antiepileptic drug targeting AMPA-type glutamate receptors was helpful for patients with a high seizure burden.

Perampanel is an investigational antiepileptic drug (AED) that acts as an antagonist to α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA)-type glutamate receptors. Evidence from both rat models and phase II human studies supports an antiseizure effect of this mechanism of action. To evaluate the efficacy, dose response, and safety of perampanel, researchers conducted a phase III, manufacturer-funded, randomized, multicenter, double-blind trial comparing the drug (in daily doses of 2, 4, and 8 mg) with placebo. The researchers randomized 706 adults (≥12 years old) with focal-onset seizures that were refractory to prior trials of at least two AEDs; patients remained on one to three concomitant AEDs during the trial. The trial includ…

Reviewing Author

John D. Hixson, MD