Creating a human brain model to study and treat Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Development and Validation of a CNS Organoid Model of Temporal Lobe Epilepsy for Drug Discovery
['FUNDING_SBIR_1'] · STEM PHARM, INC. · NIH-11008599
This study is creating a mini version of the human brain to learn more about Temporal Lobe Epilepsy and find better treatments for people who struggle with seizures that don’t respond well to current medications.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_SBIR_1'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | STEM PHARM, INC. (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (MADISON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11008599 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a human brain organoid model to better understand and treat Temporal Lobe Epilepsy (TLE), a condition that affects many individuals and is often resistant to current medications. By using human stem cell-derived neural organoids that include microglia, the study aims to replicate the neuroinflammation associated with TLE more accurately than traditional animal models. This innovative approach allows for the screening of new drug compounds that target neuroinflammation, potentially leading to more effective treatments for patients suffering from chronic seizures.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 21 and older who suffer from Temporal Lobe Epilepsy and have not responded well to existing anti-seizure medications.
Not a fit: Patients with other forms of epilepsy or those who are not experiencing drug-resistant seizures may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that significantly improve the management of Temporal Lobe Epilepsy and reduce the frequency of seizures in affected patients.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using human organoids for drug discovery is gaining traction, this specific application for Temporal Lobe Epilepsy is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Where this research is happening
MADISON, UNITED STATES
- STEM PHARM, INC. — MADISON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: LEBAKKEN, CONNIE S — STEM PHARM, INC.
- Study coordinator: LEBAKKEN, CONNIE S
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.