KV7 ION CHANNEL MODULATION PLATFORM
The lead asset in our Kv7 platform is Opakalim (BHV-7000). Opakalim 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.
Opakalim is in late-stage clinical development for epilepsy. Biohaven is also exploring opakalim 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, 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
Opakalim (BHV-7000)
Opakalim is a novel, small molecule, selective activator of Kv7.2/7.3 potassium channels, a clinically validated target to regulate the hyperexcitable state in epilepsy.
- Selective Kv7 activation avoids unwanted CNS adverse effects
- Demonstrated minimal GABAA receptor activation, potentially providing better tolerability
- Potent in the maximal electroshock seizure test without impact on neurobehavior or motor behavior
- Well-tolerated in Phase 1 studies without CNS adverse effects typical of anti-seizure medications
- Phase 1 EEG study confirmed CNS target engagement of opakalim