Perampanel is the only licensed anti-epileptic drug (AED) to selectively target AMPA receptors, a protein in the brain which plays a critical role in the spread of seizures.ii This mechanism of action is different to other currently available AEDs. In addition, perampanel has the added benefit of convenient, once-daily dosing at bedtime.i

“We are committed to our partnership with Eisai, which supports our strategy of working with global partners to strengthen our product portfolio in growing therapeutic areas and to bring important treatment options to patients in the Middle East region,” commented Mazen Darwazah, Hikma Pharmaceutical’s Executive Vice-Chairman and President and CEO of MENA and Emerging Markets.

“We are very pleased to announce the partnership with Hikma, who will leverage their strong presence in the Middle East to ensure that people throughout the region will soon be able to access our innovative epilepsy treatment Fycompa,” commented Gary Hendler, President & CEO, Eisai EMEA.

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological conditions in the world.iiiThe successful treatment of partial onset seizures remains a significant challenge in some patients and the incidence of uncontrolled partial epilepsy remains high despite many AEDs. Currently, up to 40% of patients with newly diagnosed epilepsy will become refractory to treatment.iv

Countries covered by the five year partnership will include the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Sudan, Iraq, Libya and Yemen. Perampanel was approved by the European Commission on 23 July 2012 and the United States Federal Drug Administration (FDA) on 22 October 2012. Discovered and developed by Eisai in Europe and Japan, perampanel is manufactured in the UK.