Epilepsy drug pipeline
- ICD-11 8A6Z
- MeSH D004827
3 compounds from 3 companies are in active clinical development for epilepsy, including 2 at Phase 3 or beyond.
- Phase 3 2
- Discontinued 1
Mechanisms: Small molecule (3)
Pipeline data compiled July 2026 · every fact sourced.
Upcoming readouts & recent results
FDA NDA submission for azetukalner in focal onset seizures planned for Q3 2026. ↗
X-TOLE3 Phase 3 topline (second pivotal focal-onset-seizure trial) anticipated; primary completion ~Oct 2026. ↗
Top-line results expected from the first of two pivotal Phase 2/3 focal-epilepsy studies to support registration ↗
IGE proof-of-concept (SHINE) terminated early; ~3-fold prolongation in median time to second GTC seizure (141 vs 47 days), no formal statistics ↗
X-TOLE2 Phase 3 POSITIVE: azetukalner cut monthly focal-onset seizure frequency -53.2% at 25 mg (placebo-adjusted -42.7%, p=6e-12) vs -10.4% placebo; supports Q3 2026 NDA. ↗
Open-label extension (NCT04686786) terminated early after REALIZE missed its primary objective ↗
REALIZE Phase 2 in drug-resistant focal onset seizures FAILED — darigabat did not separate from placebo on the primary Response Ratio (p=0.823 at 7.5 mg BID; p=0.986 at 25 mg BID) ↗
Compounds in development (3)
| Compound | Company | Phase | Status | Mechanism |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azetukalner (XEN1101) | Xenon Pharmaceuticals Inc. | Phase 3 | Active | Kv7.2 Activator |
| Opakalim (BHV-7000) | Biohaven Ltd. | Phase 3 | Recruiting | Kv7.2 Activator |
| Darigabat (CVL-865) | AbbVie Inc. | Discontinued | Discontinued | GABA-A receptor alpha-2 PAM |
Trials recruiting now (96)
96 drug-interventional epilepsy trials recruiting now, of 880 registered interventional trials. Browse all on ClinicalTrials.gov →
Zonisamide Oral Product
- Phase 4A Study to Investigate the Transition of Children From 'Artisanal" Cannabidiol (CBD) to Epidiolex
Epidiolex 100 mg/mL Oral Solution
Fenfluramine treatment (Fintepla)
Butylphthalide, Placebo
Phenytoin, Levetiracetam, Placebo
fenfluramine
Oral Zonisamide Therapy
- Phase 4Effect of Adding Lamotrigine to Sodium Valproate in Childhood Epilepsy: Clinicolabratory Study
Sodium Valproate 500 Mg Prolonged-Release Oral Tablet, Lamotrigine
- Phase 4Seizure Rescue Medication (RM) as Part of a Comprehensive Epilepsy Self-management Package of Care
Valtoco Nasal Product
Methylphenidate
sodium valproate
GABA
Showing the 12 most advanced of 96 recruiting drug trials · see all on ClinicalTrials.gov →
Frequently asked
- How many drugs are in development for epilepsy?
- 3 compounds from 3 companies are in active clinical development for epilepsy, including 2 at Phase 3 or beyond.
- Which epilepsy drugs are in Phase 3?
- Phase 3 (or later) programs for epilepsy include Azetukalner (XEN1101) and Opakalim (BHV-7000).
- What are the next epilepsy trial readouts?
- Upcoming catalysts include Azetukalner (XEN1101) (Q3 2026), Azetukalner (XEN1101) (2H 2026) and Opakalim (BHV-7000) (2H 2026).
- How many clinical trials are recruiting for epilepsy?
- 96 drug-interventional epilepsy trials are currently recruiting participants, out of 880 registered interventional trials.