Recruiting

Brain cell therapy to reduce seizures in hard-to-treat epilepsy

Plain-English translation of NCT06422923 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated January 2026 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

Phase 1/2 — A combined trial that checks safety and dosing while also starting to look at whether the treatment works.

What is this trial?

This trial is testing a new treatment called , which consists of specially grown human brain cells that are injected directly into the hippocampus (a part of the brain involved in seizures). The medication works by releasing a natural chemical that calms abnormal brain activity and helps prevent seizures from starting or spreading. This study is for people whose seizures have not been controlled by standard anti-seizure medications.

Many people with bilateral temporal lobe epilepsy — a condition where seizures start in both sides of the brain — do not get enough relief from current medications. This treatment offers a new approach by replacing or supporting damaged brain cells that normally help prevent seizures.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are between 18 and 75 years old
you have been diagnosed with focal seizures that start in both hippocampi, confirmed by brain recordings
you have at least four focal seizures per month on average, with at least two being clearly observable, for the six months before joining
you have already tried at least two different anti-seizure medications without adequate control
your current seizure medications and doses have been stable for at least three months

You likely don't qualify if…

you have epilepsy caused by another progressive neurological disease
you have seizures starting from areas outside the hippocampus
you have had status epilepticus (a prolonged seizure emergency) in the year before screening
you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a severe immunodeficiency disorder
you have been hospitalized for severe psychiatric illness or attempted suicide in the past year

What participation looks like

You will have a single surgical procedure where the specialized cells are injected into both sides of your brain using imaging guidance. After the procedure, you will have follow-up appointments approximately every three months for two years to check safety and measure any changes in seizure frequency. After the two-year period, you will continue with phone calls every three months and annual in-person visits for years 3 through 15 to monitor long-term effects.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 1, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(17 sites)

United States

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas

University of Southern California Keck Hospital, Los Angeles, California

UC Irvine Medical Center, Orange, California

Stanford University, Palo Alto, California

University of California San Diego, San Diego, California