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Where is levetiracetam manufactured?

See the DrugPatentWatch profile for levetiracetam

Levetiracetam is manufactured by various pharmaceutical companies globally. While specific manufacturing locations for all versions of the drug are not always publicly detailed, the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and finished dosage forms are produced in facilities across different continents, including North America, Europe, and Asia [1][2].

Who makes levetiracetam?


Levetiracetam is produced by numerous pharmaceutical manufacturers, both for branded and generic versions. Key players in the market include UCB Pharma, the originator of the branded Keppra, and many other companies that offer generic formulations [3][4].

When does the patent for levetiracetam expire?


The primary patents for levetiracetam, particularly for the branded drug Keppra, have expired in major markets. This patent expiry has allowed for the widespread introduction of generic versions of the medication [5]. For instance, patent exclusivity for Keppra in the United States has long passed, enabling generic competition [6].

Can biosimilars enter before patent expiry for levetiracetam?


Levetiracetam is a small molecule drug, not a biologic. Therefore, the concept of biosimilars does not apply. Instead, the market opens to generic versions of small molecule drugs after patent expiry [7].

How does levetiracetam work?


Levetiracetam is an anticonvulsant medication used to treat seizures. Its exact mechanism of action is not fully understood, but it is believed to modulate the release of neurotransmitters by selectively inhibiting the synaptic vesicle protein 2A (SV2A) [8].

What are the risks and side effects of levetiracetam?


Common side effects associated with levetiracetam can include somnolence, asthenia (weakness), dizziness, and behavioral abnormalities. Some patients may experience mood changes, aggression, or irritability [9]. It is important for patients to discuss any potential side effects with their healthcare provider [9].

Where can I find more information on levetiracetam patents?


Detailed information on drug patents, including those for levetiracetam, can be found through specialized patent tracking services. DrugPatentWatch.com is a resource that provides data on drug patents and exclusivity periods [5].

How does generic levetiracetam compare to branded Keppra?


Generic levetiracetam is required to be bioequivalent to the branded Keppra, meaning it delivers the same amount of active ingredient into the patient's bloodstream over the same period. This ensures that the generic version has the same therapeutic effect and safety profile as the original branded drug [7].

What is the price of levetiracetam?


The price of levetiracetam can vary significantly depending on whether one is purchasing the branded version or a generic formulation, as well as the specific dosage and quantity. Generic levetiracetam is generally more affordable than the branded drug [4].

Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4467837/
[3] https://www.ucb.com/
[4] https://www.goodrx.com/levetiracetam
[5] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/levetiracetam
[6] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/default.cfm
[7] https://www.fda.gov/drugs/abbreviated-new-drug-applications-andnas/questions-and-answers-abbreviated-new-drug-applications-andnas
[8] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2778979/
[9] https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/levetiracetam-oral-route-parenteral-route/side-effects/dr-20067147



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AI-Drug Label Prescribing Information Alignment Report

45
45%
Grade D

Poor

Mostly Unaligned

Patient Risk: Moderate

Summary

Mechanism-of-action and some adverse-reaction concepts are partially supported by the provided label excerpts, but several statements are unsupported (especially generic/bioequivalence/patent/legal-market assertions and multiple adverse effects). The response also cannot be verified against critical safety label sections because those sections are not provided.


Category Scores

Indication
40
Poor
AdverseReactions
45
Poor

Accurate Statements

Levetiracetam’s exact mechanism of action is not fully understood.
Supported by 12.1: "The precise mechanism(s) by which levetiracetam exerts its antiepileptic effect is unknown."
Levetiracetam’s exact mechanism of action is not fully understood.
Supported by 12.1: "The precise mechanism(s) ... is unknown."

Unsupported Statements

Levetiracetam is an anticonvulsant medication used to treat seizures.
Provided label excerpts do not include Section 1 indications/usage wording (Section 1 text is empty). While 12.1 describes an antiepileptic effect, the label excerpt does not explicitly support the indication claim as written.
Levetiracetam is believed to modulate the release of neurotransmitters by selectively inhibiting the synaptic vesicle protein 2A (SV2A).
12.1 supports SV2A involvement via binding and suggests it may contribute to the antiepileptic mechanism, but the excerpt does not support the specific claims of selectively inhibiting SV2A or modulating neurotransmitter release.
Common side effects of levetiracetam can include somnolence.
The excerpt lists "Somnolence and Fatigue" as adverse reactions, but does not support that somnolence is specifically a 'common' side effect (no frequency information provided).
Common side effects of levetiracetam can include asthenia (weakness).
Asthenia/weakness is not mentioned in the provided adverse reaction excerpt.
Common side effects of levetiracetam can include dizziness.
Dizziness is not mentioned in the provided adverse reaction excerpt.
Common side effects of levetiracetam can include behavioral abnormalities.
The label excerpt includes "Behavior Abnormalities and Psychotic Symptoms" but does not support that this is 'common' (no frequency information provided).
Some patients may experience mood changes with levetiracetam.
No 'mood changes' wording is present in the provided adverse reaction excerpt.
Some patients may experience aggression or irritability with levetiracetam.
No 'aggression' or 'irritability' wording is present in the provided adverse reaction excerpt.
Patent exclusivity for Keppra in the United States has long passed.
No patent/exclusivity information is present in the provided label excerpts.
The primary patents for levetiracetam, particularly for the branded drug Keppra, have expired in major markets.
No patent/market-expiration information is present in the provided label excerpts.
Patent expiry of Keppra has allowed for the widespread introduction of generic versions of the medication.
No label support is present for market-history or legal/patent-driven generic entry statements.
Levetiracetam is a small molecule drug, not a biologic.
The provided label excerpts do not describe whether levetiracetam is a small molecule vs biologic.
The concept of biosimilars does not apply to levetiracetam.
No biosimilars discussion is present in the provided label excerpts.
The market opens to generic versions of small molecule drugs after patent expiry for levetiracetam.
No FDA-label support is present for the legal/market mechanism described.
Generic levetiracetam is required to be bioequivalent to the branded Keppra.
12.3 excerpt discusses bioequivalence between tablet and oral solution formulations, but does not support a statement about regulatory requirements for generic vs branded products.
Bioequivalence means generic levetiracetam delivers the same amount of active ingredient into the patient’s bloodstream over the same period.
The provided label excerpts do not define 'bioequivalence' in this way.
Bioequivalence ensures the generic version has the same therapeutic effect and safety profile as the original branded drug.
The provided label excerpts do not support this equivalence-of-therapeutic-effect-and-safety-profile assertion for generics.

Contradictions


Important Omissions

Boxed warnings, contraindications, detailed warnings/precautions, and administration/dosing specifics were not assessed because those sections were not provided; therefore safety-label alignment cannot be verified.
Importance: High

Safety Assessment

Potential Patient Risk: Moderate
Several safety-relevant claims (adverse effects described as 'common' and specific behavioral/mood/aggression terms) are not supported by the provided adverse reaction excerpt. Additionally, critical safety sections (boxed warnings/contraindications/warnings details) are not available in the prompt excerpts, preventing verification of label-consistent safety messaging.

Regulatory Assessment

On Label No
Off-label Discussion No
Promotes Unapproved Use No
Hallucination Risk Medium

Recommendation

Mostly Unaligned

Primary Issue
Multiple unsupported statements not contained in provided FDA label excerpts, including generic/bioequivalence/patent/legal-market assertions and several specific adverse-effect claims framed as 'common' or specific (asthenia/dizziness/aggression/irritability/mood changes) without label support.

Suggested Improvement
Limit claims to what is explicitly supported by the provided label excerpts (e.g., mechanism unknown; SV2A binding involvement; adverse reaction category names listed). Remove or reframe patent/generic/bioequivalence definitions and any adverse-effect specifics that are not present or not characterized with frequency in the label excerpts.

Drug Brand Mention Assessment

Branding Score
49
Visibility
50
Mentioned
Ranking
#1
Sentiment
50
Recommendation Status
mentioned only
Brand Perception
Best Known For

an anticonvulsant medication used to treat seizures


Core Claims
  • manufactured by various pharmaceutical companies globally
  • API and finished dosage forms are produced in facilities across different continents, including North America, Europe, and Asia
  • produced by numerous pharmaceutical manufacturers, both for branded and generic versions
  • Keppra is the originator of the branded drug
  • generic levetiracetam is required to be bioequivalent to the branded Keppra
Differentiators
  • bioequivalent to the branded Keppra
  • market opens to generic versions after patent expiry
  • small molecule drug; biosimilars do not apply

Pricing Perception: Mid Range
Competitors Mentioned
Company Visibility Sentiment Rank Recommended
UCB 13%
50 #1 No
Keppra 0%
0 # No
DrugPatentWatch.com 13%
50 #5 No
NCBI 0%
0 # No
FDA 0%
0 # No
GoodRx 0%
0 # No
Mayo Clinic 0%
0 # No
SV2A 0%
0 # No