Carisbamate

Carisbamate (YKP 509) is an experimental anticonvulsant drug under development by Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research and Development. In 1998, the compound was in-licensed from SK Pharma (currently SK Holding), a South Korean company. A phase II clinical trial in the treatment of partial seizures demonstrated that the compound has efficacy in the treatment of partical seizures and a good safety profile. Since late 2006, the compound has been undergoing a large multicenter phase 3 clinical trial for the treatment of partial seizures. As of September, 2007, the trial had completed enrollment, but the blind had not been broken. Assuming the the phase III trial demonstrates positive results consistent with the phase II study, the company expects to file for registration in 2008. Its mechanism of action is unknown.