Cenobamate (XCOPRI®) is an oral, small molecule neurotherapeutic azole compound that is being developed by SK Life Science Inc. and Arvelle Therapeutics for the treatment of epilepsy. Based on results of two pivotal phase 2 trials, cenobamate was recently approved in the USA for use in the treatment of partial-onset seizures in adult patients. This article summarizes the milestones in the development of cenobamate leading to this first approval.