On April 17, 2024, the intravenous formulation of Eisai's original antiepileptic drug (AED) Fycompa® was launched in Japan. The injectable form of Fycompa received manufacturing and marketing approval on January 18, 2024, and was recently added to Japan’s National Health Insurance (NHI) drug price list.
Fycompa, developed by Eisai's Tsukuba Research Laboratories, is a First-in-Class antiepileptic drug. It is a highly selective, non-competitive AMPA receptor antagonist that reduces excessive neuronal excitability associated with epileptic seizures. Fycompa has two oral formulations available in Japan: tablets and fine granules. Due to concerns that interrupting medication during temporary periods when oral administration is not possible—such as during surgery—could pose a risk of seizure recurrence, patients with epilepsy should continue treatment through non-oral routes.
Since Fycompa is the only antiepileptic drug (AED) based on an AMPA receptor antagonist, Eisai has developed and officially launched an injectable formulation of this drug to meet the needs of patients who cannot use oral administration.
Eisai has identified neuroscience, including epilepsy, as a key therapeutic area for development. As ahhcEisai Co., Ltd. (Human Health Care, Caring for Human Health) has the mission to help more epilepsy patients "become seizure-free." Eisai is committed to meeting the diverse needs of epilepsy patients and their families, contributing to the improvement of their well-being.