Mode of action
Unique mode of action
- The central binding site for Keppra is
now known and is a presynaptic protein located on synaptic vesicles.
- The function of this protein is not known, but is believed to be a
modulator of the vesicle fusion process.
- Keppra binds to this protein, but how this interaction results
in anti-seizure activity is not known
- The identification of SV2A as the binding site supports previous claims that Keppra possesses a mechanism of action that is truly distinct from that of all other antiepileptic drugs.
The synaptic vesicle protein SV2A is the binding site for the antiepileptic drug levetiracetam.
Lynch BA et al., Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2004 Jun 29;101(26):9861-6. Epub 2004 Jun 21.
