Improving treatment for neonatal seizures using Levetiracetam

NEOLEV3: A Phase IIb Dose Escalation Study of Levetiracetam in the Treatment of Neonatal Seizures of Mild to Moderate Severity IND-109622 (September 6, 2020)

NIH-funded research University of Minnesota · NIH-10708735

This study is looking at how a safer medication called Levetiracetam can help treat mild to moderate seizures in newborns, with the hope of improving their long-term brain development and reducing side effects from older treatments.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Minnesota NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Minneapolis, United States)
Project IDNIH-10708735 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research aims to enhance the treatment of neonatal seizures, which affect 1 in 300 infants and can lead to serious long-term disabilities. The study will explore the use of Levetiracetam, a safer anticonvulsant medication, to reduce the burden of mild to moderate seizures in neonates. By conducting a dose escalation and safety study, researchers will determine the maximum tolerated dose of Levetiracetam while minimizing side effects associated with traditional treatments like phenobarbital. The goal is to improve long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes for affected infants.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are neonates experiencing mild to moderate seizures.

Not a fit: Patients with severe neonatal seizures may not benefit from this research as they may require different treatment approaches.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer and more effective treatment options for neonatal seizures, potentially reducing the risk of long-term disabilities.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using Levetiracetam for seizure control, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Where this research is happening

Minneapolis, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.