This innovative therapy is designed to protect against the development of post-traumatic and post-stroke epilepsy. It is based on the research results on the role of MMP-9 enzyme in the process of epileptogenesis, by Prof. Leszek Kaczmarek and his team at the Laboratory of Neurobiology of the Nencki Institute. The laboratory operates within the Center of Excellence for Neural Plasticity and Brain Disorders BRAINCITY.

Pikralida Sp. z o. o., the licensee of the rights to the invention of Prof. Leszek Kaczmarek's team, has obtained an approval from the State Institute fro Drug Control of Czech Republic (SUKL) to start a phase I clinical trial with the administration of an investigational medicinal product containing the active substance PKL-021. The decision is one of the key milestones of the EpiFix project, in which Nencki Institute is a partner.

Thus, this is the first ever medicinal product in clinical stage of development, that is based on  results of our Institute's research!

EpiFix project is funded by the National Center for Research and Development under the mechanism available in competition 3/1.1.1/2020 Fast Track for Mazovia. Project’s goal is to develop a breakthrough therapeutic solution to prevent the development of epilepsy after brain injury or stroke. Currently, about 30% of epilepsy cases are incurable, and chronic drug treatment is required to alleviate their symptoms. It is estimated that each year in Europe and United States there are 2.3 million serious head injuries and 1.9 million strokes, each of which can cause the onset of epileptogenesis ultimately leading to epilepsy.

Congratulations on your incredible success!