D-20443 is an experimental antiepileptic drug. Its mechanism of antiepileptic action is unknown. We evaluated the anticonvulsant effectiveness of D-20443 against sound-induced seizures in genetically epilepsy-prone rats (GEPRs). This compound produced anticonvulsant effects against sound-induced seizures in moderate seizure GEPRs (GEPR-3s) at significantly lower doses than in severe seizure GEPRs (GEPR-9s). Based on these data and on the responses of GEPRs to other antiepileptic drugs, we predict that D-20443 will be a broad spectrum antiepileptic agent in humans. That is, we predict that D-20443 will suppress both tonic/clonic and absence seizures in humans.