New targets exploited by novel anticonvulsants

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Johnson & Johnson’s topiramate has just received approval in the UK as a treatment for refractory epilepsy. Now, the task is to determine the best use of this new agent, considering the considerable number of anticonvulsants already available. Other pharmaceutical companies are also pursuing new anticonvulsants, which, interestingly, have quite diverse mechanisms of action. Reports on their activity were presented at the 21st International Epilepsy Congress [ Sydney, Australia; September 1995 ].