Levetiracetam is an anticonvulsant medication used to treat epilepsy. Levetiracetam may selectively prevent hypersynchronization of epileptiform burst firing and propagation of seizure activity. The precise mechanism(s) by which levetiracetam exerts its antiepileptic effect is unknown. The antiepileptic activity of levetiracetam was assessed in a number of animal models of epileptic seizures. Levetiracetam did not inhibit single seizures induced by maximal stimulation with electrical current or different chemoconvulsants and showed only minimal activity in submaximal stimulation and in threshold tests. Levetiracetam also displayed inhibitory properties in the kindling model in rats, another model of human complex partial seizures, both during kindling development and in the fully kindled state. The predictive value of these animal models for specific types of human epilepsy is uncertain. In vitro and in vivo recordings of epileptiform activity from the hippocampus have shown that levetiracetam inhibits burst firing without affecting normal neuronal excitability, suggesting that levetiracetam may selectively prevent hypersynchronization of epileptiform burst firing and propagation of seizure activity. Levetiracetam at concentrations of up to 10 µM did not demonstrate binding affinity for a variety of known receptors, such as those associated with benzodiazepines, GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), glycine, NMDA (Nmethyl-D-aspartate), re-uptake sites, and second messenger systems. Furthermore, in vitro studies have failed to find an effect of levetiracetam on neuronal voltage-gated sodium or T-type calcium currents and levetiracetam does not appear to directly facilitate GABAergic neurotransmission. However, in vitro studies have demonstrated that levetiracetam opposes the activity of negative modulators of GABA- and glycine-gated currents and partially inhibits N-type calcium currents in neuronal cells. A saturable and stereoselective neuronal binding site in rat brain tissue has been described for levetiracetam. Experimental data indicate that this binding site is the synaptic vesicle protein SV2A, thought to be involved in the regulation of vesicle exocytosis. Interaction of levetiracetam with the SV2A protein may contribute to the antiepileptic mechanism of action of the drug. Levetiracetam, along with other anti-epileptic drugs, can increase the risk of suicide behavior or thoughts. People taking levetiracetam should be monitored closely for signs of worsening depression, suicidal thoughts or tendencies, or any altered emotional or behavioral states.

Priralfinamide, also known as Ralfinamide, FCE-26742A; NW-1029; PNU-0154339E, is a Na-channel blocker for the treatment of neuropathic pain and other pain conditions such as post-operative dental pain. It has a relatively complex pharmacology, acting as a mixed voltage-gated sodium channel blocker (including Nav1.7), N-type calcium channel blocker, noncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonist, and monoamine oxidase B inhibitor. Priralfinamide is in phase Ⅲ clinical trials by Newron for the treatment of chronic neuropathic pain.

NMED-160 (also known as MK-6721, NP-118809, Z-160) is a potent N-type calcium channel blockers, which has good selectivity over L-type calcium channels. Neuromed Pharmaceuticals developed this compound for the treatment of the chronic pain. However, that study was discontinued in 2007 in spite of absence of adverse events, but because drug did not demonstrate the ideal, pharmaceutical characteristics considered necessary to advance the compound further in development. Then Zalicus, Inc. was developing that drug for the treatment of chronic neuropathic pain associated with lumbosacral radiculopathy and post-herpetic neuralgia and drug was in the phase II clinical trial. Nevertheless, based on the result from trials, where Z160 did not meet the primary endpoint, Zalicus was also discontinuing the Z160 program.

Elpetrigine (GW293273 or JZP-4) is potent calcium and sodium channel blocker. In animal models, elpetrigine exerts anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, antidepressant and antimania effects. Jazz Pharmaceuticals is developing elpetrigine for the treatment of mood disorders and epilepsy.

(S)-Seliciclib is enantiomer of the potent cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor Roscovitine. Roscovitine (racemic mixture) is an inhibitor of cell cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)-2, CDK-4 and CDK-5, which are upregulated in stress conditions inducing apoptosis. (S)-Seliciclib potently inhibits Cyclin-dependent kinase 1. In vivo studies in rabbits demonstrated that both isomers (R- and S-) significantly reduce intraocular pressure (IOP). However, S- isomer was superior to R- isomer in lowering IOP and providing protection to retinal ganglionic cells.

PD 173212 is a potent, selective N-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channel blocker (IC50 = 36 nM), it possesses selectivity for non L-type Ca ÷2 channels versus neuronal Na ÷, K ÷, and L-type Ca ÷2 channels. PD 173212 demonstrated potent in vitro activity in the IMR-32 assay as well as in electrophysiology, and it was efficacious in the audiogenic seizure mouse model.

Benidipine is an orally triple L-, T-, and N-type calcium channel blocker for the treatment of hypertension and angina pectoris synthesized and developed by Kyowa Hakko Kogyo Co., Ltd. Benidipine, approved in Japan in November 1991, has become one of the three best selling CCBs and is highly useful as a potent, long-lasting antihypertensive and antianginal agent.

Cilnidipine (FRC-8653) is a dihydropyridine (DHP) type of calcium channel antagonist. The L-type Ca2+ channel blockade by cilnidipine affects predominantly vascular smooth muscle, thereby producing vasodilation of peripheral resistance vessels and coronary arteries. The blockade of N-type Ca2+ channels affects predominantly peripheral nerve endings of sympathetic neurons, thereby dilating blood vessels by lowering plasma catecholamine levels. Furthermore, renoprotective and neuroprotective effects as well as cardioprotective action of cilnidipine have been demonstrated in clinical practice or animal examinations. Cilnidipine was originated by Fuji & Rebio Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. and developed jointly with Ajinomoto for the treatment of hypertension. Cilnidipine has been launched in Japan.

NMED-160 (also known as MK-6721, NP-118809, Z-160) is a potent N-type calcium channel blockers, which has good selectivity over L-type calcium channels. Neuromed Pharmaceuticals developed this compound for the treatment of the chronic pain. However, that study was discontinued in 2007 in spite of absence of adverse events, but because drug did not demonstrate the ideal, pharmaceutical characteristics considered necessary to advance the compound further in development. Then Zalicus, Inc. was developing that drug for the treatment of chronic neuropathic pain associated with lumbosacral radiculopathy and post-herpetic neuralgia and drug was in the phase II clinical trial. Nevertheless, based on the result from trials, where Z160 did not meet the primary endpoint, Zalicus was also discontinuing the Z160 program.

Cilnidipine (FRC-8653) is a dihydropyridine (DHP) type of calcium channel antagonist. The L-type Ca2+ channel blockade by cilnidipine affects predominantly vascular smooth muscle, thereby producing vasodilation of peripheral resistance vessels and coronary arteries. The blockade of N-type Ca2+ channels affects predominantly peripheral nerve endings of sympathetic neurons, thereby dilating blood vessels by lowering plasma catecholamine levels. Furthermore, renoprotective and neuroprotective effects as well as cardioprotective action of cilnidipine have been demonstrated in clinical practice or animal examinations. Cilnidipine was originated by Fuji & Rebio Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. and developed jointly with Ajinomoto for the treatment of hypertension. Cilnidipine has been launched in Japan.