title: New generation of valproic acid.
abstract: Valproic acid (VPA) is one of four first-line antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) currently established in the long-term treatment of epilepsy. Despite VPA's wide spectrum of action, in some cases its use is limited due to specific pharmacokinetics and dangerous adverse effects. These include hepatotoxicity and teratogenecity. Such limitations account for intensive research that has been carried out in order to develop new analogues or derivatives of VPA. In our review, we focus on three out of a number of substances that have been lately under investigation: NPS 1776, valrocemide and DP-VPA. These potential AEDs present both good anticonvulsive and safety profiles and seem to be more potent than the original VPA. Clinical trials, which are now ongoing, will answer the question whether or not they could become second generation of VPA.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathophysiology, Skubiszewski Medical University, Jaczewskiego 8, PL 20-090 Lublin, Poland.
authors.forename: Michał K
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Trojnar
authors.forename: Ewa
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Wierzchowska-Cioch
authors.forename: Maciej
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Krzyzanowski
authors.forename: Małgorzata
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Jargiełło
authors.forename: Stanisław J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Czuczwar
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005998:Glycine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006207:Half-Life; D006801:Humans; D014635:Valproic Acid / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants; D014635:Valproic Acid; C108894:TV 1901; D005998:Glycine