Alkem Laboratories has announced the launch of NeuCeno (cenobamate), an anti-seizure medication for the treatment of partial-onset seizures in adult patients. According to the latest press release from Alkem Laboratories Limited, this marks the first time cenobamate is being launched in India. The medication is available as a once daily oral therapy and comes in six tablet strengths ranging from 12.5 mg to 200 mg to cater to different patient needs. The launch occurred on September 16, 2026, positioning Alkem as the first company to introduce this medication in the Indian market.
The launch addresses a significant healthcare challenge in India, where epilepsy affects an estimated 9.4 million people. As reported by Business Standard, despite the availability of multiple anti-seizure medications, a significant proportion of patients continue to experience uncontrolled seizures, substantially affecting their independence, daily functioning and overall quality of life. The medication represents a significant advancement in epilepsy management in the Indian market, with the launch expanding Alkem's neurology portfolio beyond its existing dominance in anti-infectives, gastrointestinal, pain management drugs, and supplements.
According to clinical studies reported by Business Standard, adjunctive cenobamate produced up to 78% reduction in seizure frequency in randomized clinical studies of adults with uncontrolled focal seizures on existing anti-seizure medications. The medication achieved up to 30% patients achieving seizure freedom during the maintenance phase. NeuCeno acts through a unique dual mechanism of action, selectively inhibiting the persistent sodium current that drives repetitive neuronal firing while enhancing the brain's natural inhibitory signaling via positive modulation of GABA-A receptors.
Alkem Laboratories shares rose 0.18% following the announcement of the NeuCeno launch, according to latest market data. The positive market response reflects investor confidence in the company's expansion into the neurology segment and its potential to address unmet medical needs in the Indian market. The stock movement occurred alongside broader market gains, with ITC leading the gainers at 2.19% and TCS among the top losers at 1.88% in the current trading session.
According to Business Standard, Alkem Laboratories is engaged in the pharmaceutical business with global operations, focusing on the development, manufacture, and sale of pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products. The company had reported a 21.72% fall in consolidated net profit to ₹519.95 crore despite a 10.95% rise in revenue to ₹3,740.15 crore in Q1 FY27 compared with Q1 FY26. The company's stock was trading at ₹5,184.20 on the BSE, showing a 0.57% rise following the announcement. Alkem Laboratories Limited is a leading Indian pharmaceutical company with a legacy of 50 years in providing high-quality medicines to patients, holding the sixth-largest position in the Indian pharmaceutical market with a dominant presence in anti-infectives, gastrointestinal, pain management drugs and supplements.
