Honolulu, May 2026 — The Hawaii Comprehensive Epilepsy Center & Epilepsy Research Unit has been awarded the FOCUS 2 study investigating RAP-219, an investigational modulator of AMPA receptors, for adult patients with focal seizures. RAP-219 is a first-in-class, selective negative allosteric modulator of AMPA receptors.
Precision Targeting
TARPγ8 clinical PET: high expression in the neocortex and mesial temporal lobe, with relatively low expression in the hindbrain.
Because TARPγ8 is highly localized to the cerebral cortex and hippocampus — where focal seizures originate — RAP-219 aims to treat seizures effectively while avoiding the hindbrain, limiting off-target side effects.
Phase 2a Results
Initial Phase 2a trials tracking patients with drug-resistant focal epilepsy and implanted brain monitoring devices (RNS systems) showed highly promising results.
About the Study
This is a Phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of RAP-219 in adult participants with focal seizures.
Who May Qualify
- Age 18–75 years
- Diagnosis of 2 or more focal seizures per month
- Currently treated with 1–3 anti-seizure medications
“Our neurologists, epileptologists & researchers at Hawaii’s Comprehensive Epilepsy Center & Epilepsy Research Unit are honored to contribute to this important study and making available this option to our local island populations who no longer have to travel to the Mainland for advanced epilepsy treatments.”
— Darren Dugas, MD, Neurologist & Director, Hawaii Comprehensive Epilepsy Center and Video-EEG Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU); Principal Investigator, Hawaii Epilepsy Research UnitDedicated Epilepsy research hotline
(808) 564-6141 | info@HawaiiNeuroscience.com
