Praxis to Showcase Essential3, the First Positive Phase 3 Program in Essential Tremor, at AAN 2026

Essential3 is the first positive Phase 3 program in essential tremor; ulixacaltamide has received FDA Breakthrough Therapy Designation, with data selected for plenary presentation at AAN 2026

Apr. 14, 2026 at 3:48am

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A glowing, vibrant neon outline of a human hand trembling against a deep, dark background, conceptually illustrating the uncontrolled movements associated with essential tremor.Praxis' breakthrough Essential3 program aims to provide meaningful relief for the millions affected by the debilitating symptoms of essential tremor.Chicago Today

Praxis Precision Medicines, Inc. announced it will present expanded analyses from the Phase 3 Essential3 program of ulixacaltamide in essential tremor, alongside new data from its advancing CNS pipeline, at the 2026 AAN Annual Meeting. Ulixacaltamide, a differentiated and highly selective small molecule inhibitor of T-type calcium channels, has received FDA Breakthrough Therapy Designation based on results from the Essential3 study, the first positive Phase 3 program in essential tremor.

Why it matters

Essential tremor affects approximately 7 million people in the United States and is one of the most common movement disorders, with few effective treatment options. The Essential3 program represents a significant advancement in addressing this unmet medical need.

The details

The Essential3 program evaluated the efficacy and safety of ulixacaltamide, a novel small molecule inhibitor of T-type calcium channels, in patients with essential tremor. The program included two Phase 3 studies - a parallel-design study and a randomized withdrawal study. Praxis will present topline results from both studies at the AAN 2026 meeting, highlighting the maintenance of response and durability of effect with ulixacaltamide.

  • The 2026 AAN Annual Meeting will take place April 18–22, 2026, in Chicago, Illinois.
  • Praxis will present the Essential3 topline results in a plenary session on Tuesday, April 21, 2026 from 9:15 AM–9:30 AM CT.

The players

Praxis Precision Medicines, Inc.

A fully integrated, leading central nervous system (CNS) precision neuroscience biopharmaceutical company, translating insights from genetic epilepsies into the development of therapies for CNS disorders.

Ulixacaltamide

A differentiated and highly selective small molecule inhibitor of T-type calcium channels designed to block abnormal neuronal burst firing in the Cerebello-Thalamo-Cortical (CTC) circuit correlated with tremor activity. Ulixacaltamide has received Breakthrough Therapy Designation from the FDA and is the most advanced program within Praxis' Cerebrum™ small molecule platform.

Steven Petrou, Ph.D.

Co-founder and president of research and development at Praxis Precision Medicines.

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What they’re saying

“Essential tremor affects millions of people and has seen little therapeutic innovation in decades. We believe the Essential3 program delivers meaningful improvements in daily function for patients with ET. As we advance ulixacaltamide, we remain committed to developing therapies that that addresses the full range of unmet need across neuroscience.”

— Steven Petrou, Co-founder and president of research and development

What’s next

Praxis plans to continue advancing the ulixacaltamide program and submit regulatory filings based on the positive Essential3 results.

The takeaway

The Essential3 program represents a significant breakthrough in the treatment of essential tremor, a common and debilitating movement disorder that has lacked effective therapeutic options for patients. Praxis' development of ulixacaltamide, a novel small molecule targeting the underlying neurological mechanisms of essential tremor, has the potential to transform the standard of care for this condition.