BRIEF—Epilepsy drug Vimpat for IV infusion 200mg launched in Japan

The anti-epilepsy drug Vimpat IV infusion 200mg (lacosamide) has been launched in Japan by the drug’s developer Belgium drugmaker UCB and Japanese partner Daiichi Sankyo, with the latter’s shares leaping 4.75% to 4,452 yen following the announcement.

Vimpat for IV infusion 200mg is a new dosage form developed as an alternative to lacosamide oral formulations in patients when oral administration is temporarily not feasible for the partial onset seizures of epilepsy patients with or without secondary generalization. Consequently, this IV infusion dosage form can contribute to the continuous treatment of epilepsy patients.

UCB and Daiichi Sankyo aim to make greater contributions to epilepsy patients and healthcare professionals by offering this new Vimpat injectable treatment option in Japan in addition to Vimpat tablets and Vimpat dry syrup.