General Information

Levetiracetam Impurities and Levetiracetam

Daicel Pharma offers worldwide delivery options for custom synthesis of Levetiracetam impurity standards, including crucial impurity standards such as 2-(2-Oxopyrrolidin-1-yl)butanoic acid, Ethyl 2-(2-oxopyrrolidin-1-yl)butanoate, Isobutyl 2-(2-oxopyrrolidin-1-yl) butanoate, Levetiracetam Enantiomer, methyl 2-(2-oxopyrrolidin-1-yl) butanoate, and rac-Levetiracetam / Etiracetam. These impurity standards play a vital role in evaluating the purity and safety of Levetiracetam, an active pharmaceutical ingredient.

Levetiracetam [CAS: 102767-28-2] is a pyrrolidine derivative with antiepileptic activity. It combines with other antiepileptic medications for treating partial-onset seizures. Additionally, Levetiracetam treats seizures and movement disorders and is a nootropic agent.

Levetiracetam: Use and Commercial Availability 

The FDA-approved Levetiracetam treats focal seizures, myoclonic seizures, and primary generalized seizures as adjunctive therapy. It is available under brand names such as Elepsia XR, Keppra, Keppra XR, and Spritam. Levetiracetam is a novel antiepileptic drug treating partial, myoclonic, and tonic-clonic seizures.

Levetiracetam Structure and Mechanism of Action 

The chemical name of Levetiracetam is (αS)-α-Ethyl-2-oxo-1-pyrrolidineacetamide. Its chemical formula is C₈H₁₄N₂O_2, and its molecular weight is approximately 170.21 g/mol.

The mechanism of action of Levetiracetam is unknown.

Levetiracetam Impurities and Synthesis

Impurities in Levetiracetam can generate during the manufacturing process¹, either as byproducts or degradation products. They may arise from the starting materials, synthetic steps, or storage conditions. Analytical techniques such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) help identify and quantify impurities. Strict control measures ensure impurity levels are within acceptable limits, ensuring the quality and safety of Levetiracetam. Thorough analysis and monitoring throughout the manufacturing process help maintain the efficacy and purity of the drug.

Daicel Pharma strictly adheres to cGMP standards and operates an analytical facility for preparing impurity standards. We provide a range of Levetiracetam impurity standards, such as 2-(2-Oxopyrrolidin-1-yl)butanoic acid, Ethyl 2-(2-oxopyrrolidin-1-yl)butanoate, Isobutyl 2-(2-oxopyrrolidin-1-yl) butanoate, Levetiracetam Enantiomer, methyl 2-(2-oxopyrrolidin-1-yl) butanoate, and rac-Levetiracetam / Etiracetam. Our impurity standards have a detailed Certificate of Analysis (CoA) and a comprehensive characterization report. The CoA encompasses data obtained through techniques, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, IR, MASS, and HPLC purity analysis². Additional data, such as 13C-DEPT, can be provided upon request. We can synthesize unknown Levetiracetam impurity standards or degradation products. Each delivery has a comprehensive characterization report.