Definition

An orally bioavailable levetiracetam derivative, with anticonvulsant activity. Although the exact mechanism through which brivaracetam exerts its effects is not fully known, this agent targets and binds to synaptic vesicle protein 2A (SV2A) in the brain. This prevents synaptic vesicle exocytosis and the synaptic release of certain, as of yet not fully known, excitatory neurotransmitters. This may inhibit impulse conduction across synapses, decrease neuronal (hyper-)excitability, and may modulate epileptogenesis. SV2A, a membrane glycoprotein present in neuronal synaptic vesicles, plays a key role in action potential-induced neurotransmitter release in the brain.