The Sound of Evolution
Lacosamide
Mechanism of action:
Lacosamide is a functionalized amino acid derivative. It enhances the slow inactivation of voltage-gated Na⁺ channels, allowing excessively excitable or pathologically activated neurons to remain in a state that is less likely to fire again for a prolonged period. By stabilizing neuronal membrane potential, lacosamide suppresses abnormal high-frequency firing while preserving normal neuronal conduction.
Reference(s):
1. Sheets PL et al. (2008). Differential block of sensory neuronal voltage-gated sodium channels by lacosamide [(2R)-2-(acetylamino)-N-benzyl-3-methoxypropanamide], lidocaine, and carbamazepine. J Pharmacol Exp Ther.
2. Curia G et al. (2009). Lacosamide: a new approach to target voltage-gated sodium currents in epileptic disorders. CNS Drugs.
3. Perucca E et al. (2008). Lacosamide. Nat Rev Drug Discov.