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Valproic acid

Generic Name
Valproic acid
Brand Names
Depakene, Depakote, Epival
Drug Type
Small Molecule
Chemical Formula
C8H16O2
CAS Number
99-66-1
Unique Ingredient Identifier
614OI1Z5WI

Overview

Valproic acid, or valproate, is an fatty acid derivative and anticonvulsant originally synthesized in 1881 by Beverly S. Burton. It enjoyed use as a popular organic solvent in industry and pharmaceutical manufacturing for nearly a century. In 1963, a serendipitous discovery was made by George Carraz during his investigations into the anticonvulsant effects of khelline when he found that all of his samples, dissolved in valproic acid, exerted a similar degree of anticonvulsive activity. It first received approval on February 28, 1978 from the FDA under the trade name Depakene. Since then, it has been investigated for neuroprotective, anti-manic, and anti-migraine effects. It is currently a compound of interest in the field of oncology for its anti-proliferative effects and is the subject of many clinical trials in a variety of cancer types.

Indication

Indicated for: 1) Use as monotherapy or adjunctive therapy in the management of complex partial seizures and simple or complex absence seizures. 2) Adjunctive therapy in the management of multiple seizure types that include absence seizures. 3) Prophylaxis of migraine headaches. 4) Acute management of mania associated with bipolar disorder. Off-label uses include: 1) Maintenance therapy for bipolar disorder. 2) Treatment for acute bipolar depression. 3) Emergency treatment of status epilepticus.

Associated Conditions

  • Bipolar Disorder (BD)
  • Complex Partial Seizure Disorder
  • Depressive Episodes
  • Migraine
  • Petit Mal Epilepsy
  • Seizure, multiple types
  • Acute Manic episode

Clinical Trials

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Title
Posted
Study ID
Phase
Status
Sponsor
2016/08/19
Phase 1
Terminated
Dr. Hasan Alam
2016/08/17
Phase 4
Completed
Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul
2016/07/28
Phase 2
UNKNOWN
Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine
2016/06/03
Phase 2
Completed
Prof. Dominique de Quervain, MD
2016/05/04
Phase 1
UNKNOWN
Chang Gung Memorial Hospital
2016/01/07
Phase 1
Terminated
2015/12/09
Phase 2
Withdrawn
2015/12/08
Phase 2
Active, not recruiting
National Cancer Institute, Naples
2015/11/20
Early Phase 1
Completed
Barretos Cancer Hospital
2015/08/11
Phase 1
Completed

FDA Drug Approvals

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EMA Drug Approvals

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HSA Drug Approvals

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NMPA Drug Approvals

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PPB Drug Approvals

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TGA Drug Approvals

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Health Canada Drug Approvals

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CIMA AEMPS Drug Approvals

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Philippines FDA Drug Approvals

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Saudi SFDA Drug Approvals

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UK EMC Drug Information

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