Genetics-based personalized dosing of sodium valproate

Research on the Application of Sodium Valproate Personalized Medication Based on Pharmacogenetics

PHASE4 · The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China · NCT07046676

This trial will test whether using patients' genetic information can help choose safer, more effective sodium valproate doses for people with epilepsy.

Quick facts

PhasePHASE4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment312 (estimated)
SexAll
SponsorThe First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China (other)
Locations1 site (Hengyang, Hunan)
Trial IDNCT07046676 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This Phase 4 pharmacogenetics project will link CYP450 and other drug-metabolizing enzyme variants with steady-state blood levels and metabolite patterns of sodium valproate to inform dosing. Adults with primary or secondary epilepsy who have been on valproate for at least five days with reliable blood concentration data will be enrolled and genotyped. Researchers will compare genotypes, drug concentrations, and occurrence of hepatotoxicity or other adverse effects to identify genetic predictors of high drug levels and toxicity. The aim is to produce practical guidance that reduces toxic side effects while maintaining seizure control without requiring burdensome monitoring.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults with primary or secondary epilepsy who have used sodium valproate for at least five days, have steady-state blood levels, good medication adherence, no significant liver or kidney dysfunction, and are not pregnant are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: People over 65, patients in the ICU, pregnant individuals, those with major organ failure, poor compliance, inconsistent dosing, or incomplete blood-level data are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could help tailor valproate doses to reduce hepatotoxicity and other side effects while keeping seizures controlled.

How similar studies have performed: Prior pharmacogenetic research has linked CYP450 variants to valproate metabolism and formation of hepatotoxic metabolites, providing supportive but still-developing evidence for genotype-guided dosing.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients diagnosed with epilepsy (primary epilepsy, secondary epilepsy) and with complete clinical data
* Regular use of valproic acid sodium for at least 5 days (with blood drug concentration reaching a steady state) and strong medication compliance
* Patients using combined anti-epileptic drugs or using valproic acid sodium alone
* Patients without significant liver or kidney dysfunction, and not in the pregnancy period

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with incomplete data, poor compliance, and those whose blood drug concentration was not measured at the correct concentration
* Patients with major respiratory, gastrointestinal, liver, kidney or other serious diseases
* Patients using valproic acid solely for epilepsy prevention
* Patients who have used valproic acid for more than 5 days but have frequently changed the dosage form during the process
* Patients over 65 years old and in the 1CU

Where this trial is running

Hengyang, Hunan

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Epilepsy

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.