vigabatrin

Vigabatrin is an antiepileptic drug that acts as an irreversible inhibitor of 4-aminobutyrate aminotransferase (GABA-T), the enzyme responsible for the catabolism of the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). By covalently binding to GABA-T, vigabatrin significantly increases synaptic GABA concentrations, thereby enhancing inhibitory neurotransmission and suppressing seizure activity. Developed by Marion Merrell Dow (now Sanofi), it received FDA approval in 2009, though it had been available in other markets since the late 1980s. Its primary indications include the treatment of refractory complex partial seizures in adults and infantile spasms (West syndrome) in pediatric patients aged one month to two years. A critical clinical consideration is the risk of permanent bilateral concentric visual field constriction, which occurs in a significant percentage of patients and necessitates regular ophthalmologic monitoring and restricted distribution through Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) programs.

Brand names

SabrilVigadroneSabrilanKigabeq

Other names

gamma-vinyl-GABA4-amino-5-hexenoic acid