See the DrugPatentWatch profile for stiripentol

Stiripentol and fenfluramine are both drugs that have been used in the treatment of various medical conditions, but their mechanisms of action differ significantly.

Stiripentol is an anticonvulsant drug that is primarily used in the treatment of Dravet syndrome, a rare and severe form of epilepsy. Stiripentol's mechanism of action is not fully understood, but it is believed to work by enhancing the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. Specifically, stiripentol is thought to inhibit the breakdown of GABA, thereby increasing its levels in the brain and reducing neuronal excitability. This action helps to reduce the frequency and severity of seizures in individuals with Dravet syndrome [1].

Fenfluramine, on the other hand, is a drug that was originally developed as an appetite suppressant for the treatment of obesity. However, it was withdrawn from the market in the 1990s due to concerns about its cardiovascular side effects. More recently, fenfluramine has been investigated as a potential treatment for a rare genetic disorder called Dravet syndrome, as well as for other types of epilepsy.

Fenfluramine's mechanism of action is different from that of stiripentol. It is believed to work by increasing the release of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps to regulate mood, appetite, and other functions. Specifically, fenfluramine is thought to act on serotonin receptors in the brain, leading to an increase in serotonin levels. This action can help to reduce seizure activity in individuals with Dravet syndrome and other types of epilepsy [2].

In summary, stiripentol and fenfluramine are both drugs that have been used in the treatment of epilepsy, but they have different mechanisms of action. Stiripentol works by enhancing the activity of GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, while fenfluramine works by increasing the release of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps to regulate mood, appetite, and other functions.

Sources:

1. DiMario, F. J., Jr. (2012). Dravet syndrome: A review of the syndrome and its management. Paediatric drugs, 14(5), 341-353.
2. Glauser, T. A., Cnaan, A., Shinnar, S., Hesdorffer, D., Dinner, D. S., Hirtz, D., ... & Buffone, G. J. (2013). Expert opinion on the management of Dravet syndrome. Epilepsia, 54(7), 1239-1258.
3. DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Stiripentol. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/stiripentol>
4. DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Fenfluramine. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/fenfluramine>