TheraRadar
Data updated: May 26, 2026

RUFINAMIDE

CNS Approved 2016-05-16

Rufinamide is an antiepileptic medication indicated for the adjunctive treatment of seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome. The drug is approved for use in adult patients and pediatric patients aged one year and older. It serves as a supplemental therapeutic option for managing the complex seizure patterns characteristic of this specific epilepsy syndrome.

Source: FDA Label • Hikma

How RUFINAMIDE Works

The exact mechanism by which rufinamide produces its antiepileptic effect is unknown, though research suggests it primarily modulates sodium channel activity. The drug works by prolonging the inactive state of these channels and slowing their recovery time. This process limits the sustained, repetitive firing of sodium-dependent action potentials in the brain, which helps control seizure activity.

12
Indications
--
Phase 3 Trials
10
Years on Market

Details

Status
Prescription
First Approved
2016-05-16
Routes
ORAL
Dosage Forms
TABLET, SUSPENSION

RUFINAMIDE Approval History

2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
Original
New Indication
New Form
Label Update
33 FDA actions from 2016 to 2025
Apr 2025 ORIGINAL
Update
Jun 2024 SUPPL
Label · Labeling
Dec 2023 ORIGINAL
Update

What RUFINAMIDE Treats

2 indications

RUFINAMIDE is approved for 2 conditions since its original approval in 2016. These indications span multiple therapeutic areas including oncology, immunology, and more.

  • Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome
  • Seizures
Source: FDA Label

RUFINAMIDE Competitive Set

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Filters applied: drops same-active-ingredient (505(b)(2) reformulations), route-mismatch (topical vs systemic), and cross-therapeutic-area matches in same-indication rings.

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Clinical Trial Registry

5 trials
Trial Sponsor ID Phase Status Title
NCT06740825 AC220-164 Ph 1 completed Study to Assess the Effect of a CYP3A Weak Inducer Rufinamide on Quizartinib Pharmacokinetics in Healthy Subjects
NCT01405053 results posted E2080-G000-303 Ph 3 completed Study of Rufinamide in Pediatric Subjects 1 to Less Than 4 Years of Age With Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome Inadequately Controlled With Other Anti-epileptic Drugs
NCT01151540 results posted E2080-J081-305 Ph 3 completed A Long Term Extension Study of E2080 in Lennox-Gastaut Patients
NCT02095899 RUFPTPS 2013-253 Ph 2 withdrawn Effect of Rufinamide on Chronic Postthoracotomy Pain Syndrome
NCT02332174 TJXH-Rufi Ph 1 completed Pharmacokinetics and Tolerability of Rufinamide in Healthy Chinese Subjects
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Active Pipeline

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Key Completed Trials

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Completed studies with published results, ranked by significance

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Trial Timeline

Full development history with FDA approval milestones

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Understanding FDA Approval Types
Count Type What it means
- ORIG Original approval - drug first enters market
- SUPPL - Efficacy New indication (new disease/condition approved)
- SUPPL - Labeling Label text changes (warnings, dosing updates)
- SUPPL - Manufacturing Production changes (new facility)
- SUPPL - Chemistry Formulation changes (new dosage strength)

Green lines in the timeline show ORIG and Efficacy approvals - the clinically meaningful milestones.

RUFINAMIDE FDA Label Details

Indications & Usage

FDA Label (PDF)

RUFINAMIDE is indicated for the treatment of Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome; Seizures.

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Data Sources

Data sourced from official FDA and NIH databases. Click links to verify on original sources.