ABS-1230
An investigational treatment for KCNT1-Related Epilepsy.
Drug facts
The same compound appears under different names depending on the context. Here is how to identify ABS-1230 wherever you encounter it, plus the key facts at a glance.
- Generic name
- ABS-1230
- Development codes
- ABS-1230, JZP6979
- Drug class
- KCNT1 channel inhibitor
- Manufacturer
- Jazz Pharmaceuticals (developed by Actio Biosciences)
- How it's taken
- By mouth or feeding tube, daily, in a trial only
An investigational medicine for KCNT1-related epilepsy, taken by mouth or through a feeding tube, developed by Actio Biosciences and owned by Jazz Pharmaceuticals since September 15, 2026, which now also calls it JZP6979[10][11].
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Where ABS-1230 fits
ABS-1230 is an experimental oral medicine designed to block the overactive KCNT1 channel, now in the Phase 1b/2 KYRON study in children and young adults with KCNT1-related epilepsy[1][10].
- No FDA-approved treatment exists for KCNT1-related epilepsy, according to Jazz[9].
- Seizures in the infant form often resist standard antiseizure medicines, and the Child Neurology Foundation says no single medicine has been shown to work best for all patients and that some children respond to the ketogenic diet[14].
- Another KCNT1-targeted medicine, Servier's S230815, is given into the spinal fluid in an early study (NCT07227857)[3].
- ABS-1230 has not been compared with antiseizure medicines or other KCNT1 approaches, and its placebo-controlled results are not yet available[1].
- A question to bring to a child's epilepsy specialist is whether the child's KCNT1 variant and seizure count fit the KYRON study and how its medicine rules would affect current treatment.
How ABS-1230 works
The KCNT1 gene carries the instructions for a potassium channel, a gate that lets potassium flow out of nerve cells in the brain, and MedlinePlus Genetics says the KCNT1 variants behind these epilepsies are typically gain-of-function variants, which make the channel let too much potassium through[13]. KCNT1 variants are the most common known genetic cause of epilepsy of infancy with migrating focal seizures, and they also cause a sleep-related seizure form and other developmental and epileptic encephalopathies, severe epilepsies with developmental delay[13].
ABS-1230 is a small molecule designed to block the KCNT1 channel[10]. BioPharma Dive reported on August 10, 2026 that it is designed to block the overly active channels that make brain circuits hyper-excited and prone to seizures[12]. Actio reported that ABS-1230 blocked every pathogenic KCNT1 variant it tested in the laboratory and reduced seizures in a KCNT1 mouse model[4][7].
Clinical trial results
KYRON (NCT07600736) is a Phase 1b/2 study in 3 parts, with an estimated 61 participants[1]. Part 1 gives ABS-1230 openly for 12 weeks, Part 2 randomly assigns other participants to ABS-1230 or placebo for 12 weeks with neither families nor doctors knowing which, and Part 3 is an optional open-label extension of up to 1 year[1][4]. The main measure for Part 1 and Part 3 is side effects, and the main measure for Part 2 is the percent change in countable motor seizures over 28 days, recorded in a seizure diary[1].
Actio says the study also looks at neurodevelopment[4]. Jazz said on November 2, 2026 that KYRON is designed to serve as a registrational study supporting a US New Drug Application, and that it expected to present initial patient data at a medical meeting in the fourth quarter of 2026[11]. ClinicalTrials.gov lists an estimated primary completion date of January 2027[1].
Jazz has said children in an early proof-of-concept study had fewer seizures on ABS-1230 but has not published the number of children, the size of the change or how that study was run, so those results cannot yet be judged[11][12]. The earlier Phase 1a study (NCT07156201) is testing single and repeated doses against placebo in healthy adults aged 18 to 55 in Sydney, Australia[2][6].
Main registered trial: NCT07600736 on ClinicalTrials.gov. Check it for the current status, sites and contacts before asking about enrollment.
Side effects and safety
Side effects are the main measure of KYRON's open-label first part and of its long-term extension[1]. In the earlier Phase 1a study in healthy adults, Actio reported that all doses, including multiple doses of 20mg, were well tolerated with no serious adverse events reported[4]. Actio has not published a list of side effects, and no safety results in people with KCNT1-related epilepsy have been released.
This is not a complete list of side effects. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about what to expect and when to seek medical attention.
Taking ABS-1230
Taken daily by mouth or through a feeding tube in the KYRON study[4][1]. The dose for each age group is being worked out in the study, and Actio says infants and younger children join only after safety, tolerability and dose are checked in older age groups[4]. Any approved dose would be set by an FDA label.
Development history
Actio raised $66 million in a Series B round in June 2025 to advance ABS-1230 and another program[8]. On July 30, 2025, Actio announced that the FDA had cleared its application to begin human testing and granted Fast Track designation, and said ABS-1230 had recently received Rare Pediatric Disease and Orphan Drug designations[5]. The first healthy volunteer was dosed in the Phase 1a study, announced September 23, 2025[6].
On May 8, 2026, Actio announced the start of KYRON and the drug's acceptance into the FDA's Rare Disease Evidence Principles process, which is meant for treatments that address a known genetic cause in very small populations[4]. Jazz agreed on August 10, 2026 to buy Actio for $820 million upfront plus up to $500 million in milestone payments, and closed the deal on September 15, 2026[9][10]. Some of Actio's other programs went to a separate new company, in which Jazz holds a minority stake, and ABS-1230 stayed with Jazz[9].
Access and eligibility
Not approved, and available only in a trial. KYRON is recruiting people aged 1 month to 21 years with a clinician-confirmed diagnosis of KCNT1-related epilepsy who have on average at least 4 countable motor seizures a week and take no more than 6 antiseizure medicines[1]. The study leaves out people currently taking phenytoin, carbamazepine, stiripentol or quinidine[1]. ClinicalTrials.gov lists 2 US sites, Hackensack, New Jersey, which is recruiting, and Rochester, New York, which is not yet recruiting[1]. Actio says older children and young adults are enrolled first[4].
Access program details are provided for informational purposes and may vary based on insurance coverage, geographic location, and individual circumstances. Confirm current eligibility directly with the manufacturer or your specialty pharmacy.
Explore KCNT1-Related Epilepsy trials
Common questions about ABS-1230
▸What is ABS-1230?
An investigational medicine for KCNT1-related epilepsy, taken by mouth or through a feeding tube, developed by Actio Biosciences and owned by Jazz Pharmaceuticals since September 15, 2026, which now also calls it JZP6979[10][11]. It is being tested in KYRON, a Phase 1b/2 study in children and young adults aged 1 month to 21 years that began in May 2026[1][4]. No results from KYRON have been published. Jazz and Actio say the FDA has given ABS-1230 Fast Track, Rare Pediatric Disease and Orphan Drug designations[10][4].
▸How does ABS-1230 work?
The KCNT1 gene carries the instructions for a potassium channel, a gate that lets potassium flow out of nerve cells in the brain, and MedlinePlus Genetics says the KCNT1 variants behind these epilepsies are typically gain-of-function variants, which make the channel let too much potassium through[13]. KCNT1 variants are the most common known genetic cause of epilepsy of infancy with migrating focal seizures, and they also cause a sleep-related seizure form and other developmental and epileptic encephalopathies, severe epilepsies with developmental delay[13]. ABS-1230 is a small molecule designed to block the KCNT1 channel[10]. BioPharma Dive reported on August 10, 2026 that it is designed to block the overly active channels that make brain circuits hyper-excited and prone to seizures[12]. Actio reported that ABS-1230 blocked every pathogenic KCNT1 variant it tested in the laboratory and reduced seizures in a KCNT1 mouse model[4][7].
▸What are the side effects of ABS-1230?
Side effects are the main measure of KYRON's open-label first part and of its long-term extension[1]. In the earlier Phase 1a study in healthy adults, Actio reported that all doses, including multiple doses of 20mg, were well tolerated with no serious adverse events reported[4]. Actio has not published a list of side effects, and no safety results in people with KCNT1-related epilepsy have been released.
▸How is ABS-1230 taken?
Taken daily by mouth or through a feeding tube in the KYRON study[4][1]. The dose for each age group is being worked out in the study, and Actio says infants and younger children join only after safety, tolerability and dose are checked in older age groups[4]. Any approved dose would be set by an FDA label.
▸Is ABS-1230 FDA approved?
ABS-1230 is currently in phase 2 clinical trials for KCNT1-Related Epilepsy. It has not yet received FDA approval.
▸Is ABS-1230 FDA approved?
No. ABS-1230 is an experimental medicine in the Phase 1b/2 KYRON study, and the FDA has not approved it for any use.
Designations: Fast Track, Rare Pediatric Disease and Orphan Drug, according to Jazz.
Owner: Jazz Pharmaceuticals, which bought Actio Biosciences on September 15, 2026 and also calls the drug JZP6979.
▸Who can join the ABS-1230 KYRON trial?
KYRON enrolls people aged 1 month to 21 years with KCNT1-related epilepsy who have at least 4 countable motor seizures a week on average.
Medicines: No more than 6 antiseizure medicines, and not currently taking phenytoin, carbamazepine, stiripentol or quinidine.
Where: Hackensack, New Jersey, recruiting, and Rochester, New York, not yet recruiting.
Order: Actio says older children and young adults join first.
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT07600736
▸Does ABS-1230 work for KCNT1 epilepsy?
Not known yet. No results from the KYRON study have been published.
What is measured: The placebo-controlled part tracks the percent change in countable motor seizures over 28 days.
Earlier data: Jazz says an early study in children showed fewer seizures but has not released numbers.
Timing: Jazz said on November 2, 2026 that it expected to present initial patient data in the fourth quarter of 2026.
Sources and references
Every factual claim on this page is drawn from the public sources listed below. Click any reference to open the original document.
- ClinicalTrials.gov. A Phase 1b/2 Study to Assess the Safety, Tolerability, Pharmacokinetics, and Clinical Activity of ABS-1230 Administered to Pediatric and Young Adult Participants With KCNT1-Related Epilepsy. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07600736
- ClinicalTrials.gov. A First-in-Human, Phase 1a, Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled, Single- and Multiple-Ascending Dose and Food Effect Study to Assess the Safety, Tolerability, and Pharmacokinetics of ABS-1230 Administered Orally to Healthy Adults. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07156201
- ClinicalTrials.gov. A Phase Ib/II First-in-human, Multicentre, Open-label, Multiple Ascending Dose Study to Assess the Safety, Tolerability, Pharmacokinetics, and Pharmacodynamic Effect of Intrathecal S230815 in Pediatric Participants With KCNT1-related Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathy. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07227857
- Actio Biosciences, via BioSpace · 2026-05-08. Actio Biosciences Announces Initiation of KYRON Phase 1b/2 Trial of ABS-1230 for the Treatment of KCNT1-Related Epilepsy and Acceptance into FDA's Rare Disease Evidence Principles Process. https://www.biospace.com/press-releases/actio-biosciences-announces-initiation-of-kyron-phase-1b-2-trial-of-abs-1230-for-the-treatment-of-kcnt1-related-epilepsy-and-acceptance-into-fdas-rare-disease-evidence-principles-process
- Actio Biosciences, via BioSpace · 2025-07-30. Actio Biosciences Announces U.S. FDA Clearance of Investigational New Drug Application and Fast Track Designation for ABS-1230, a KCNT1 Inhibitor for the Treatment of KCNT1-Related Epilepsy. https://www.biospace.com/press-releases/actio-biosciences-announces-u-s-fda-clearance-of-investigational-new-drug-application-and-fast-track-designation-for-abs-1230-a-kcnt1-inhibitor-for-the-treatment-of-kcnt1-related-epilepsy
- Actio Biosciences · 2025-09-23. Actio Biosciences Announces First Participant Dosed in Phase 1 Clinical Trial of ABS-1230, a KCNT1 Inhibitor for the Treatment of KCNT1-Related Epilepsy. https://actiobiosciences.com/actio-biosciences-announces-first-participant-dosed-in-phase-1-clinical-trial-of-abs-1230-a-kcnt1-inhibitor-for-the-treatment-of-kcnt1-related-epilepsy
- Actio Biosciences, via BioSpace · 2025-12-05. Actio Biosciences Announces Preclinical Data Highlighting Ability of ABS-1230 to Potently and Selectively Inhibit KCNT1 and Significantly Reduce Seizure Activity. https://www.biospace.com/actio-biosciences-announces-preclinical-data-highlighting-ability-of-abs-1230-to-potently-and-selectively-inhibit-kcnt1-and-significantly-reduce-seizure-activity
- Actio Biosciences, via BioSpace · 2025-06-18. Actio Biosciences Secures $66 Million Series B Financing to Advance Genetics-Driven Pipeline of Small Molecule Therapeutics for Rare and Common Diseases. https://www.biospace.com/press-releases/actio-biosciences-secures-66-million-series-b-financing-to-advance-genetics-driven-pipeline-of-small-molecule-therapeutics-for-rare-and-common-diseases
- Jazz Pharmaceuticals, via PR Newswire · 2026-08-10. Jazz Pharmaceuticals to Acquire Actio Biosciences, Expanding Rare Epilepsy Portfolio. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/jazz-pharmaceuticals-to-acquire-actio-biosciences-expanding-rare-epilepsy-portfolio-302847060.html
- Jazz Pharmaceuticals, via PR Newswire · 2026-09-15. Jazz Pharmaceuticals Completes Acquisition of Actio Biosciences. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/jazz-pharmaceuticals-completes-acquisition-of-actio-biosciences-302879077.html
- Jazz Pharmaceuticals, via PR Newswire · 2026-11-02. Jazz Pharmaceuticals Announces Third Quarter 2026 Financial Results. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/jazz-pharmaceuticals-announces-third-quarter-2026-financial-results-302926814.html
- BioPharma Dive · 2026-08-10. Jazz to buy rare epilepsy drugmaker in potentially $1.3B deal. https://www.biopharmadive.com/news/jazz-actio-acquisition-deal-rare-neurological-epilepsy/827409/
- MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine. KCNT1 gene: MedlinePlus Genetics. https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/gene/kcnt1/
- Child Neurology Foundation. KCNT1-Related Epilepsies - Child Neurology Foundation. https://www.childneurologyfoundation.org/disorder/kcnt-1-related-epilepsies/