You're using a free limited version of DrugPatentWatch: Upgrade for Complete Access

Last Updated: December 12, 2025

CLINICAL TRIALS PROFILE FOR PHENYTOIN SODIUM


✉ Email this page to a colleague

« Back to Dashboard


All Clinical Trials for phenytoin sodium

Trial ID Title Status Sponsor Phase Start Date Summary
NCT00004817 ↗ Phase III Double Blind Trial of Valproate Sodium for Prophylaxis of Post Traumatic Seizures Completed Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center Phase 3 1991-02-01 OBJECTIVES: I. Determine whether treating head injured patients with valproate sodium will reduce the risk of developing seizures as a result of the head injury. II. Determine the safety of valproate, the appropriate dose, and the effect valproate may have on the recovery of the brain's ability to compute numbers, solve problems, remember information, and control the movement of limbs after head injury.
NCT00004817 ↗ Phase III Double Blind Trial of Valproate Sodium for Prophylaxis of Post Traumatic Seizures Completed National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) Phase 3 1991-02-01 OBJECTIVES: I. Determine whether treating head injured patients with valproate sodium will reduce the risk of developing seizures as a result of the head injury. II. Determine the safety of valproate, the appropriate dose, and the effect valproate may have on the recovery of the brain's ability to compute numbers, solve problems, remember information, and control the movement of limbs after head injury.
NCT00140179 ↗ Valnoctamide in Mania Completed Stanley Medical Research Institute Phase 3 2004-09-01 Valproic acid is a leading mood stabilizer for the treatment of bipolar disorder. Its well-known teratogenicity limits its use in young women of childbearing age. According to toxicologic studies the teratogenicity of valproate stems from its free carboxylic group. Valnoctamide is an isomer and an analog of valpromide. Unlike valpromide, valnoctamide does not undergo a biotransformation to the corresponding free acid. It is also likely or at least possible that valnoctamide is anti-bipolar. In mice valnoctamide has been shown to be distinctly less teratogenic than valproate. An injection at day 8 of gestation produced only 1% exencephaly (as compared to 0-1% in control mice and 53% in valproate treated mice). The investigators are performing a double-blind controlled trial of valnoctamide as an anti-bipolar drug. If shown to be anti-bipolar, valnoctamide could be an important valproate substitute for young women with bipolar disorder who are at risk of pregnancy. Patients newly admitted to the Beersheva Mental Health Center may participate if they meet Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - 4th edition (DSM-IV) criteria for mania or schizoaffective disorder, manic type. Patients admitted to the study are treated with risperidone at doses of the physicians' discretion beginning with 2 mg daily on days 1 and 2. Valnoctamide or placebo is begun at doses of 600 mg per day (200 mg three times daily) and increased to 1200 mg (400 mg three times daily) after four days. Weekly ratings by a psychiatrist blind to the study drug are conducted using the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMS), and the Clinical Global Impression (CGI). Weekly blood is drawn for drug levels of valnoctamide to be measured by gas chromatography. Each patient receives valnoctamide or placebo for 5 weeks. Low teratogenic mood stabilizers are a high priority for current research.
NCT00140179 ↗ Valnoctamide in Mania Completed Beersheva Mental Health Center Phase 3 2004-09-01 Valproic acid is a leading mood stabilizer for the treatment of bipolar disorder. Its well-known teratogenicity limits its use in young women of childbearing age. According to toxicologic studies the teratogenicity of valproate stems from its free carboxylic group. Valnoctamide is an isomer and an analog of valpromide. Unlike valpromide, valnoctamide does not undergo a biotransformation to the corresponding free acid. It is also likely or at least possible that valnoctamide is anti-bipolar. In mice valnoctamide has been shown to be distinctly less teratogenic than valproate. An injection at day 8 of gestation produced only 1% exencephaly (as compared to 0-1% in control mice and 53% in valproate treated mice). The investigators are performing a double-blind controlled trial of valnoctamide as an anti-bipolar drug. If shown to be anti-bipolar, valnoctamide could be an important valproate substitute for young women with bipolar disorder who are at risk of pregnancy. Patients newly admitted to the Beersheva Mental Health Center may participate if they meet Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - 4th edition (DSM-IV) criteria for mania or schizoaffective disorder, manic type. Patients admitted to the study are treated with risperidone at doses of the physicians' discretion beginning with 2 mg daily on days 1 and 2. Valnoctamide or placebo is begun at doses of 600 mg per day (200 mg three times daily) and increased to 1200 mg (400 mg three times daily) after four days. Weekly ratings by a psychiatrist blind to the study drug are conducted using the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMS), and the Clinical Global Impression (CGI). Weekly blood is drawn for drug levels of valnoctamide to be measured by gas chromatography. Each patient receives valnoctamide or placebo for 5 weeks. Low teratogenic mood stabilizers are a high priority for current research.
NCT00257855 ↗ A Randomised Controlled Trial of Neuroprotection With Lamotrigine in Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Completed University College London Hospitals Phase 2 2005-11-01 A present there is no safe treatment for reducing rate at which disability worsens in people with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. Recent research has suggested the possibility that drugs that act by blocking the entry of sodium into nerve cells can protect nerve fibres in the brain and spinal cord. In this trial, the investigators will test whether one such drug, called lamotrigine, can prevent damage to nerve fibres and reduce the rate at which MS worsens. The period of treatment in the trial will run for 2 years.
>Trial ID >Title >Status >Phase >Start Date >Summary

Clinical Trial Conditions for phenytoin sodium

Condition Name

Condition Name for phenytoin sodium
Intervention Trials
Healthy 2
Optic Neuritis 2
Head Injuries 1
Post Traumatic Seizures 1
[disabled in preview] 0
This preview shows a limited data set
Subscribe for full access, or try a Trial

Condition MeSH

Condition MeSH for phenytoin sodium
Intervention Trials
Epilepsy 2
Multiple Sclerosis 2
Sclerosis 2
Optic Neuritis 2
[disabled in preview] 0
This preview shows a limited data set
Subscribe for full access, or try a Trial

Clinical Trial Locations for phenytoin sodium

Trials by Country

Trials by Country for phenytoin sodium
Location Trials
United States 4
United Kingdom 2
Mexico 1
Israel 1
Malaysia 1
This preview shows a limited data set
Subscribe for full access, or try a Trial

Trials by US State

Trials by US State for phenytoin sodium
Location Trials
New York 1
Georgia 1
California 1
North Dakota 1
This preview shows a limited data set
Subscribe for full access, or try a Trial

Clinical Trial Progress for phenytoin sodium

Clinical Trial Phase

Clinical Trial Phase for phenytoin sodium
Clinical Trial Phase Trials
PHASE4 1
Phase 4 3
Phase 3 4
[disabled in preview] 8
This preview shows a limited data set
Subscribe for full access, or try a Trial

Clinical Trial Status

Clinical Trial Status for phenytoin sodium
Clinical Trial Phase Trials
Completed 12
Unknown status 3
Not yet recruiting 2
[disabled in preview] 2
This preview shows a limited data set
Subscribe for full access, or try a Trial

Clinical Trial Sponsors for phenytoin sodium

Sponsor Name

Sponsor Name for phenytoin sodium
Sponsor Trials
University of Kiel 1
Taipei City Hospital 1
Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 1
[disabled in preview] 2
This preview shows a limited data set
Subscribe for full access, or try a Trial

Sponsor Type

Sponsor Type for phenytoin sodium
Sponsor Trials
Other 29
Industry 5
NIH 1
[disabled in preview] 1
This preview shows a limited data set
Subscribe for full access, or try a Trial

Clinical Trials Update, Market Analysis, and Projection for Phenytoin Sodium

Last updated: October 28, 2025

Introduction

Phenytoin Sodium, a cornerstone drug in epilepsy management, has maintained its clinical relevance for over 70 years. Known commercially as Dilantin among other names, it acts primarily as an anticonvulsant. As the landscape of neurology evolves with novel therapies and personalized medicine, understanding the current clinical trial status, market dynamics, and future projections for Phenytoin Sodium is essential for stakeholders, including pharmaceutical companies, investors, and healthcare providers.


Clinical Trials Landscape

Current Clinical Trial Status

Phenytoin Sodium remains active in clinical research, primarily exploring its applications beyond traditional epilepsy treatment. According to ClinicalTrials.gov, approximately 15 ongoing or recently completed trials focus on various aspects:

  • Drug formulation improvements: Several studies investigate sustained-release and intravenous formulations aiming to enhance pharmacokinetics and reduce adverse effects.
  • Adjunct therapy in neurological disorders: Trials are exploring its utility as an adjunct in managing traumatic brain injury and certain neurodegenerative diseases.
  • Safety and pharmacogenomics: Researchers are evaluating genetic markers influencing drug metabolism to optimize dosing and minimize toxicity.
  • Repositioning efforts: Some studies explore Phenytoin’s potential role in cancer therapy, given its observed effects on cell proliferation pathways.

Regulatory and Patent Considerations

Phenytoin Sodium's patent expiration occurred decades ago, transitioning its market to generics. As a result, current research is predominantly academic or investigative rather than driven by proprietary exclusivity incentives. Regulatory agencies continue to monitor its safety profile, especially with new formulations or administration routes.

Research Challenges and Opportunities

While Phenytoin’s well-characterized efficacy is a clinical advantage, its narrow therapeutic window and side effect profile pose challenges. Innovations such as nanoformulations and combination therapies are under exploration to mitigate these issues. Additionally, precision medicine approaches are increasingly focusing on pharmacogenetic testing to individualize dosing.


Market Analysis

Global Market Overview

The Phenytoin market is mature, with a broad base of global generic manufacturers. The estimated global market size was valued at approximately $350 million in 2022 and is projected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 2-3% over the next five years [1].

Regionally:

  • North America dominates due to established healthcare infrastructure and high epilepsy prevalence.
  • Europe maintains a significant share with widespread adoption.
  • Asia-Pacific presents growth opportunities owing to expanding healthcare systems and increasing awareness.

Key Market Drivers

  • High prevalence of epilepsy: An estimated 50 million people worldwide suffer from epilepsy, sustaining steady demand.
  • Generic availability: patent expiry has allowed multiple manufacturers to supply affordable options, maintaining price competitiveness.
  • Expansion into niche indications: Ongoing trials exploring non-traditional uses may open additional markets.

Market Challenges

  • Competition from newer antiepileptic drugs (AEDs): Drugs like levetiracetam and lacosamide offer improved tolerability.
  • Safety concerns: The narrow therapeutic window necessitates meticulous monitoring, limiting certain applications.
  • Regulatory pressures: Increased scrutiny over generic substitution and bioequivalence can impact market stability.

Competitive Landscape

Major generic producers such as Teva, Mylan, Sandoz, and Sun Pharma dominate the market. A growing trend involves developing modified-release formulations that aim to improve patient compliance and safety profiles.


Market Projections

Forecasted Trends (2023–2028)

Based on current data and the evolving therapeutic landscape:

  • Steady market demand with slight growth driven mainly by expanding epilepsy awareness and access in emerging markets.
  • Innovative formulations gaining regulatory approval could command a premium and expand the market share.
  • Phenytoin’s repositioning potential in neuroprotective and oncological indications may diversify revenue streams.

Emerging Opportunities

  • Personalized medicine: Integration with pharmacogenomics could prompt a tailored approach, extending Phenytoin’s utility.
  • New formulations: Extended-release, transdermal, and IV formulations could capture niche markets and improve safety profiles.
  • Combination therapies: Potential synergies with other AEDs and neuroprotective agents may open new indication pathways.

Risks and Uncertainties

  • Competition from next-generation AEDs and rapidly evolving therapeutics.
  • Regulatory challenges related to formulation approvals.
  • Variability in healthcare infrastructure development across emerging markets, impacting global access.

Conclusion

Phenytoin Sodium remains a vital component in epilepsy management despite age-related limitations. While clinical trials are focusing on optimizing its use and exploring new indications, market growth is expected to be modest but steady, fueled by generics and reformulation innovations. Stakeholders should monitor ongoing research developments, regulatory changes, and emerging therapeutic trends to capitalize on potential opportunities.


Key Takeaways

  • Clinical Trials: Research is ongoing in formulation improvements, safety profiling, and expanded indications, notably in neurocritical and oncological applications.
  • Market Dynamics: The global Phenytoin market is mature, with stable demand driven by epilepsy prevalence, but faces competition from newer AEDs.
  • Projection Outlook: Slight growth expected over the next five years, with prospects for niche formulations and personalized medicine approaches enhancing future utility.
  • Innovation Opportunities: Development of sustained-release formulations and pharmacogenetic-guided dosing could extend Phenytoin’s clinical and commercial relevance.
  • Strategic Considerations: Manufacturers should focus on differentiated formulations and explore novel indications to mitigate competition and leverage emerging research insights.

FAQs

1. What are the latest developments in Phenytoin Sodium formulations?
Recent research emphasizes sustained-release and intravenous formulations aimed at improving patient compliance and reducing adverse effects. Nanoformulation approaches are also under investigation to optimize bioavailability and minimize toxicity.

2. How is Phenytoin Sodium positioning in epilepsy treatment compared to newer drugs?
While effective, Phenytoin’s narrow therapeutic index and side effect profile have led to decreased usage in favor of newer AEDs like levetiracetam and lamotrigine, which offer broader safety margins and fewer drug interactions.

3. Are there ongoing trials exploring non-epilepsy indications?
Yes. Current studies are examining Phenytoin’s potential in neuroprotective roles post traumatic brain injury, and preliminary research suggests possible anti-cancer properties, though these are still early-stage.

4. What are the key regulatory challenges facing Phenytoin formulations?
Regulatory agencies require demonstration of bioequivalence for generic versions and safety validation for new formulations. Given its age, the primary focus remains on manufacturing standards and ensuring consistent therapeutic performance.

5. What market strategies should companies adopt regarding Phenytoin Sodium?
Focusing on formulation innovation, exploring new therapeutic indications, and integrating pharmacogenomic tools to individualize therapy could provide competitive advantages in the evolving neurology pharmacotherapy landscape.


References

[1] Market Research Future, “Phenytoin Sodium Market Analysis,” 2022.

More… ↓

⤷  Get Started Free

Make Better Decisions: Try a trial or see plans & pricing

Drugs may be covered by multiple patents or regulatory protections. All trademarks and applicant names are the property of their respective owners or licensors. Although great care is taken in the proper and correct provision of this service, thinkBiotech LLC does not accept any responsibility for possible consequences of errors or omissions in the provided data. The data presented herein is for information purposes only. There is no warranty that the data contained herein is error free. We do not provide individual investment advice. This service is not registered with any financial regulatory agency. The information we publish is educational only and based on our opinions plus our models. By using DrugPatentWatch you acknowledge that we do not provide personalized recommendations or advice. thinkBiotech performs no independent verification of facts as provided by public sources nor are attempts made to provide legal or investing advice. Any reliance on data provided herein is done solely at the discretion of the user. Users of this service are advised to seek professional advice and independent confirmation before considering acting on any of the provided information. thinkBiotech LLC reserves the right to amend, extend or withdraw any part or all of the offered service without notice.