Eslicarbazepine acetate: A further pharmacological development as adjunctive therapy of focal epilepsy

Eslicarbazepine acetate: A further pharmacological development as adjunctive therapy of focal epilepsy Within the last two decades a multitude of anti-epileptic drugs of the so-called new generation has been introduced. Because of a more favourable pharmacokinetic and a better side effect profile some of these newer formulations have replaced the role of older substances as best choice in the broad treatment spectrum of epilepsies. Now, since October 2009 a new antiepileptic drug, eslicarbazepine acetate (ESL), has been released in Germany for adjunctive therapy of focal epilepsy in adults. Contrary to other new antiepileptic drugs whose novel anticonvulsant efficacy promised possible therapeutic progress, ESL - as a result of consequent development of dibenzazepine formulations, which also carbamazepine and oxcarbazepine belong to - represents a substance of reliable and good efficacy in the treatment of focal epilepsy. Compared with those preceding drugs ESL by its pharmacological optimization of the initial substances promises many advantages regarding tolerability and handling in every day work. Efficacy and tolerability of ESL have been evaluated in three extended randomised double-blind studies. The results of all three studies consistently document besides a favourable profile of tolerability a significant advantage of efficacy of ESL in once daily application compared to a placebo group of patients with pharmacoresistant epilepsy. Data from prolonged open studies over a 12 months period document a persistent seizure reduction with ESL associated with a positive effect on quality of life and mood. This article presents an overview of pharmacological characteristics, current data of the relevant studies referring to efficacy, safety and tolerability.