Alkem Launches NeuCeno (cenobamate) in India, First Availability of the Anti-Seizure Drug for Partial-Onset Seizures
核心洞察
Alkem Laboratories launched NeuCeno (搜索) (cenobamate) on September 16, 2026, marking the first availability of cenobamate in India for adults with partial-onset seizures (搜索).
The once-daily oral anti-seizure medication is offered in six tablet strengths ranging from 12.5 mg to 200 mg, with pricing not disclosed by the company.
In randomized trials of adults with uncontrolled focal seizures, adjunctive cenobamate reduced seizure frequency by up to 78%, with up to 30% achieving seizure freedom in the maintenance phase.
Alkem Laboratories has launched NeuCeno (搜索) (cenobamate) in India, the first time the anti-seizure medication (ASM) has been made available in the country, for the treatment of partial-onset seizures (搜索) in adult patients. The Mumbai-based company announced the launch on September 16, 2026, positioning the therapy as an advance in epilepsy (搜索) management for a population in which an estimated 9.4 million people live with the condition.
Once-Daily Oral Therapy Across Six Strengths
NeuCeno (搜索) is administered as a once-daily oral therapy, a dosing design the company says supports patient adherence. It is available in six tablet strengths: 12.5 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg, and 200 mg. Alkem did not disclose the drug's market price.
Dual Mechanism Targeting Neuronal Hyperexcitability
Cenobamate acts through a unique dual mechanism of action. It selectively inhibits the persistent sodium current (搜索) that drives repetitive neuronal firing, and it enhances the brain's natural inhibitory signaling through positive modulation of GABA-A receptors — the protein channels in the brain that calm nerve activity when triggered by gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).
Trial Data Show Seizure Reduction and Freedom
In randomized clinical studies of adults with uncontrolled focal seizures who were already receiving existing anti-seizure medications, adjunctive cenobamate produced up to a 78% reduction in seizure frequency. Up to 30% of patients achieved seizure freedom during the maintenance phase.
Persistent Unmet Need Despite Available Therapies
Despite the availability of multiple anti-seizure medications, a significant proportion of patients continue to experience uncontrolled seizures, substantially affecting their independence, daily functioning, and overall quality of life. Alkem framed the launch as a response to that gap.
"People living with epilepsy (搜索) and their caregivers face significant challenges in achieving effective seizure control. Cenobamate has the potential to transform treatment outcomes towards delivering better epilepsy management," said Sandeep Singh, Managing Director, Alkem Laboratories Limited. "At Alkem, we believe patients deserve access to advanced treatment options that can help address unmet medical needs. With the launch of NeuCeno (搜索) (cenobamate), we reaffirm our commitment to improving patient care by enabling access to an important therapeutic option and supporting healthcare professionals in making informed treatment decisions for adults living with partial-onset seizures (搜索)."
Portfolio Context
The launch expands Alkem's neurology portfolio, adding to the company's existing position in anti-infectives, gastrointestinal and pain management drugs, and supplements. Alkem operates 20 manufacturing facilities and R&D centres across India and the US, and the company remains committed to advancing high-quality, affordable medicines across key therapeutic areas.