Study Of NRTX-1001 Neural Cell Therapy In Drug-Resistant Unilateral Mesial Temporal Lobe Epilepsy (EPIC (EPIlepsy Cell Therapy))

Overview

About this study

This clinical trial is designed to test whether a single image-guided intracerebral administration of inhibitory nerve cells, called interneurons (NRTX-1001), into subjects with drug-resistant unilateral mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE), with or without mesial temporal sclerosis (MTS), is safe (frequency of adverse events) and effective (seizure frequency). NRTX-1001 comprises human interneurons that secrete a neurotransmitter, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).

Participation eligibility

Participant eligibility includes age, gender, type and stage of disease, and previous treatments or health concerns. Guidelines differ from study to study, and identify who can or cannot participate. There is no guarantee that every individual who qualifies and wants to participate in a trial will be enrolled. Contact the study team to discuss study eligibility and potential participation.

Key Inclusion Criteria:

1. Male or Female, age ≥18 to ≤75
2. Focal seizures, clinically defined as unilateral MTLE
3. Has failed to achieve seizure control despite adequate trials of at least 2 ASDs at appropriate doses
4. Currently on stable doses (at least 1 month prior to Screening) of approved ASDs
5. Single seizure focus confirmed within one hippocampus
6. Seizure frequency averages ≥4 per 28-day period, including at least 2 clinical focal seizures per 28-day period with objective manifestations or more severe types, over the 6 months prior to the Screening Visit. (Phase 1/2 only)
7. Disabling seizure frequency of ≥2 per 28-day period averaged over 3 months prior to the Screening visit and over a prospective 10-week baseline period prior to Randomization (Phase 3 Only)

Key Exclusion Criteria:

1. Epilepsy due to other medical conditions and/or progressive neurologic disease
2. Evidence of seizure focus outside of the hippocampus or evidence of seizures of non- focal origin.
3. Significant other medical conditions which would impair safe participation
4. History of status epilepticus in the 3 years prior to screening.
5. Primary or secondary immunodeficiency
6. Suicide attempts in the past year 3 years
7. Severe psychiatric disorders
8. Prior lobectomy or LITT procedure
9. MRI indicating potential malignant lesion
10. Pregnancy, or currently breastfeeding.

Note: Other protocol defined Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria may apply.

Eligibility last updated 02/25/2026. Questions regarding updates should be directed to the study team contact.

Participating Mayo Clinic locations

Study statuses change often. Please contact the study team for the most up-to-date information regarding possible participation.

Mayo Clinic Location Status Contact

Rochester, Minn.

Mayo Clinic principal investigator

David Burkholder, M.D.

Contact us for the latest status

Contact information:

Bridget Neja C.N.A.

(507) 266-9150

Neja.Bridget@mayo.edu

Scottsdale/Phoenix, Ariz.

Mayo Clinic principal investigator

Jonathon Parker, M.D., Ph.D.

Open for enrollment

Contact information:

Kayla Haeger R.N.

(480) 342-5075

Haeger.Kayla@mayo.edu

More information

Publications

Publications are currently not available