FDA Approves Drug For Epileptic Seizures

Potiga is the first neuronal potassium channel opener developed to treat partial seizures, the most common type of seizure seen in people with epilepsy.

The US FDA has approved the use of Potiga (ezogabine) tablets to treat seizures associated with epilepsy in adults. Ezogabine is expected to be available in US pharmacies by the end of the year.

Potiga, manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline and Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, is the first neuronal potassium channel opener developed to treat partial seizures, the most common type of seizure seen in people with epilepsy, a disorder in which there is abnormal or excessive activity of nerve cells in the brain.

Although the mechanism of action is not firmly established, the drug may act as an anticonvulsant by reducing excitability through the stabilisation of neuronal potassium channels in an "open" position.