Eslicarbazepine: a novel antiepileptic agent designed for improved efficacy and safety

The International League Against Epilepsy classify epilepsy into 3 main types: partial, generalized, and unclassified. Partial epilepsy is restricted to discrete areas of the cerebral cortex while generalized epilepsy occurs in diffuse regions of the brain simultaneously. Treatment of partial-onset seizures presents a constant challenge since up to 58% of patients with partial-onset seizures do not achieve seizure control with current antiepileptic drugs. Patient compliance with antiepileptic agents represents a significant area of unmet need, with poorly compliant patients more likely to experience breakthrough seizures and mortality. Finally, adverse events, such as dizziness and somnolence, are highly prevalent with existing antiepileptic agents and may affect as many as 97% of patients. Eslicarbazepine acetate (eslicarbazepine, or ESL) is a novel antiepileptic agent, a derivative of carbamazepine and oxcarbazepine, designed for improved efficacy and safety. In clinical trials, ESL demonstrated efficacy and was generally well tolerated. It also demonstrated low potential for drug-drug interaction. A New Drug Application for ESL for adjunctive therapy in adults with partial-onset seizures was accepted by FDA for formal review in June 2009 and FDA is expected to act on the application by January 2010. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]