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Amifampridine

Generic Name
Amifampridine
Brand Names
Firdapse, Ruzurgi, Firdapse (previously Zenas), Amifampridine SERB
Drug Type
Small Molecule
Chemical Formula
C5H7N3
CAS Number
54-96-6
Unique Ingredient Identifier
RU4S6E2G0J

Overview

Amifampridine, or 3,4-diaminopyridine (3,4-DAP), is a quaternary ammonium compound that blocks presynaptic potassium channels, and subsequently prolongs the action potential and increases presynaptic calcium concentrations . It was first discovered in Scotland in the 1970s and its clinical effectiveness for neuromuscular disorders, including Lambert–Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS), has been investigated in the 1980s . Amifampridine phosphate is a more stable salt that serves as an active ingredient of EMA-approved Firdapse, which was previously marketed as Zenas. It is currently used as the first-line symptomatic treatment for LEMS in adult patients and is ideally given as oral tablets in divided doses, three or four times a day. Firdapse (amifampridine) was formally approved by the US FDA for the treatment of adults with LEMS as recently as November of 2018 . LEMS is a rare auto-immune disorder of the neuromuscular junction that is characterized by proximal muscle weakness, depressed tendon reflexes, and posttetanic potentiation in addition to autonomic dysfunction . About 50-60% of the patients develop more rapidly progressive LEMS and small cell lung cancer, which influences the prognosis . Patients with LEMS develop serum antibodies against presynaptic P/Q-type voltage-gated calcium channels, leading to decreased presynaptic calcium levels and reduced quantal release of acetylcholine, which is mainly responsible for causing symptoms of LEMS . Reduced acetylcholine release at the neuromuscular junction leads to decreased frequency of miniature endplate potentials of normal amplitude, and insufficient acetylcholine levels for the activation of postsynaptic muscle fibers following a single nerve impulse . This leads to the reduction of the compound muscle action potential (CMAP) . Treatment for LEMS include immunotherapy such as conventional immunosuppression or intravenous immunoglobulins, however such treatments are recommended in patients in whom symptomatic treatment would not suffice . Amifampridine is the nonimmune treatment options for LEMS. In phase III clinical trials of adult patients with LEMS, treatment of amifampridine significantly improved symptoms of LEMS compared to placebo with good tolerance . It was demonstrated in clinical studies involving healthy volunteers that the pharmacokinetics and systemic exposure to amifampridine is affected by the genetic differences in N-acetyl-transferase (NAT) enzymes (acetylator phenotype) and NAT2 genotype, which is subject to genetic variation . Slow acetylators were at higher risk for experiencing drug-associated adverse reactions, such as paresthesias, nausea, and headache .

Indication

用于治疗6岁及以上的成人和儿童患者的一种罕见病自身免疫疾病兰伯特-伊顿(Lambert Eaton)肌无力综合征(LEMS)。LEMS最常见的表现是肌无力,容易疲劳,可导致行走及爬楼梯困难。

Associated Conditions

  • Lambert Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome (LEMS)

Research Report

Published: Aug 20, 2025

A Comprehensive Monograph on Amifampridine (DB11640) for the Treatment of Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome

1.0 Executive Summary

Amifampridine is a small molecule drug classified as a voltage-gated potassium channel blocker. It stands as the first-line, evidence-based symptomatic treatment for Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome (LEMS), a rare and debilitating autoimmune disorder of the neuromuscular junction.[1] The core pathophysiology of LEMS involves an antibody-mediated reduction in presynaptic calcium influx, which impairs the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh) and leads to profound muscle weakness. Amifampridine directly counteracts this deficit by prolonging the presynaptic action potential, thereby enhancing calcium entry and restoring ACh release at the neuromuscular junction.[1]

The clinical efficacy of amifampridine has been unequivocally established in pivotal Phase III, randomized, placebo-controlled withdrawal trials. These studies demonstrated that patients continuing amifampridine maintained muscle strength and functional status, whereas those withdrawn to placebo experienced rapid and statistically significant deterioration.[5] This robust evidence base supports its approval for both adult and pediatric patients aged six years and older.

The safety profile of amifampridine is well-characterized, with the most significant risk being dose-dependent seizures, which has led to a contraindication in patients with a history of seizure disorders.[4] The drug's metabolism is critically dependent on the N-acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2) enzyme, which is subject to common genetic polymorphisms. Individuals who are "slow acetylators" experience significantly higher drug exposure, increasing their risk for adverse events and necessitating a personalized dosing approach with a lower starting dose.[4]

Continue reading the full research report

FDA Drug Approvals

Approved Product
Manufacturer
NDC Code
Route
Strength
Effective Date
Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
69616-211
ORAL
10 mg in 1 1
2/28/2021

EMA Drug Approvals

HSA Drug Approvals

Approved Product
Manufacturer
Approval Number
Dosage Form
Strength
Approval Date
No HSA approvals found for this drug.

NMPA Drug Approvals

Approved Product
Company
Approval Number
Drug Type
Dosage Form
Approval Date
No NMPA approvals found for this drug.

PPB Drug Approvals

Approved Product
Registration No.
Company
Licence No.
Strength
Registration Date
No PPB approvals found for this drug.

TGA Drug Approvals

Approved Product
ARTG ID
Sponsor
Registration Type
Status
Registration Date
RUZURGI amifampridine 10 mg tablet bottle
352630
Medicine
A
9/14/2021

Health Canada Drug Approvals

Approved Product
Company
DIN
Dosage Form
Strength
Market Date
RUZURGI
medunik canada
02503034
Tablet - Oral
10 MG
9/24/2020

CIMA AEMPS Drug Approvals

Approved Product
Company
Registration Number
Pharmaceutical Form
Prescription Type
Status
FIRDAPSE 10 MG COMPRIMIDOS
109601001
COMPRIMIDO
Diagnóstico Hospitalario
Not Commercialized

Philippines FDA Drug Approvals

Approved Product
Company
License Number
Dosage Form
Strength
Approval Date
No Philippines FDA approvals found for this drug.

Saudi SFDA Drug Approvals

Approved Product
Company
License Number
Dosage Form
Strength
Approval Date
No Saudi SFDA approvals found for this drug.

Malaysia NPRA Drug Approvals

Approved Product
Company
Registration Number
Dosage Form
Strength
Approval Date
No Malaysia NPRA approvals found for this drug.

UK EMC Drug Information

Medicine Name
MA Holder
MA Number
Pharmaceutical Form
Active Ingredient
Authorization Date
No UK EMC drug information found for this drug.

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