KV7 ION CHANNEL MODULATION PLATFORM
The lead asset in our Kv7 platform is Opakalim (BHV-7000). Opakalim (BHV-7000) is a potent, selective activator of Kv7.2/7.3 potassium channels, a clinically validated target to regulate the hyperexcitable state in epilepsy. Increasing evidence also suggests the potential for Kv7.2/7.3 activators to treat neuropsychiatric and pain disorders.
Biohaven is developing Opakalim (BHV-7000) for epilepsy and major depressive disorder. Biohaven is also exploring Opakalim (BHV-7000) as a potential treatment for KCNQ2 developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE), a rare, serious, and debilitating disease that manifests in infants and children as early-onset seizures and encephalopathy due to a defect in the function of the Kv7.2 channel caused by pathogenic, loss of function mutations in the KCNQ2 gene. Furthermore, preclinical research is underway to evaluate the potential for Kv7 activation as a treatment for pain disorders.
FOCAL EPILEPSY
A Study to Evaluate the Efficacy, Safety, and Tolerability of BHV-7000 in Patients with Focal Epilepsy (Rise)
Drug: BHV-7000 | Age: 18-75 | Phase: 3
GENERALIZED EPILEPSY
Researching an Investigational Treatment Option for Idiopathic Generalized Epilepsy
Drug: BHV-7000 | Age: 18-75 | Phase: 3
MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER
A Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of BHV-7000 Monotherapy in Major Depressive Disorder
Drug: BHV-7000 | Age: 18-75 | Phase: 2
Opakalim (BHV-7000)
Opakalim (BHV-7000) is a potent, selective activator of Kv7.2/7.3 potassium channels, a clinically validated target to regulate the hyperexcitable state in epilepsy.
- Potent in the maximal electroshock seizure test without impact on neurobehavior or motor behavior
- Demonstrated minimal GABAA receptor activation, potentially providing better tolerability
- Well-tolerated in Phase 1 SAD/MAD study without CNS adverse effects typical of anti-seizure medications
- Phase 1 EEG biomarker study confirmed evidence of target engagement in the CNS