valnoctamide

Valnoctamide is a small molecule derivative of valproic acid, classified as a fatty amide and structurally related to the anticonvulsant drug valpromide. Unlike valpromide, it is not metabolized into its corresponding acid in vivo. Valnoctamide has been used since the 1960s in Europe as a sedative-hypnotic and anxiolytic, marketed under brand names such as Nirvanil and Axiquel. It has also been investigated for use in epilepsy, neuropathic pain, mania (including bipolar disorder), and schizoaffective disorder. Preclinical studies suggest that all four stereoisomers of valnoctamide are more effective than valproic acid in animal models of epilepsy. Mechanistically, it is believed to act primarily through modulation of GABAergic neurotransmission—likely by inhibiting GABA transaminase—and may also inhibit histone deacetylases (HDACs). Notably, compared to other drugs in its class such as valproate/valproic acid, it exhibits significantly lower teratogenicity[1][3][4][6].

Brand names

AxiquelNirvanil

Other names

2-ethyl-3-methylpentamidevalmethamide