Development of a new therapeutic procedure for the treatment of acute stroke

In most cases (85 percent), the stroke is caused by the occlusion of a blood vessel in the brain. This results in the affected area of the brain becoming undersupplied with blood and oxygen, causing nerve tissue to die off beyond retrieval. Despite intensive research activities, only inadequate treatment options are currently available. The medical engineering company MD-5 GmbH, founded with the support of Fraunhofer IZI, has set itself the goal of improving this situation using an innovative treatment method.

The therapy concept developed by MD-5 GmbH is based on a procedure which can specifically influence the blood flow in the brain using magnetic fields. So-called intelligent transcranial magnetic stimulation (iTMS) allows blood flow to be increased in defined regions of the brain, thus limiting damage caused by a stroke. “Several investigations and optimizations are still required before the technology can be introduced into clinical routine as a medical device. Together with the Fraunhofer IZI and Leipzig University Hospital, we look forward to continuing with the development of a prototype which is suitable for practice and preparing its market launch,” commented Dr. Mark K. Borsody, Founder and Chief Medical Officer, describing the cooperation work of the joint project.

“The Fraunhofer IZI is contributing its comprehensive expertise in the areas of stroke research and preclinical development. Expressive model systems are to verify both the safety and efficacy of the procedure. The procedure can then be optimized accordingly by our colleagues at MD-5, based on these investigations,” commented Dr. Antje Dreyer, Head of the Clinic-oriented Therapy Assessment Unit at Fraunhofer IZI, describing the Fraunhofer Institute's role in the project.

With the addition of MD-5 GmbH, founded in Leipzig in October 2012 as a subsidiary of the US company Lake Bioscience LLC, Fraunhofer IZI has managed to bring on board another international partner and increase investment in the biotechnology location of Saxony.

“We are very glad that we succeded in convincing our colleagues from Lake Biosciences to establish their european subsidiary in Leipzig / Saxony” adds Dr. Thomas Tradler, Head of Business Development at the Fraunhofer IZI.

The project, valued at a total of 1.4 million euros, is being funded through the Sächsische Aufbaubank (Saxon Development Bank) with a total of 1.1 million euros coming from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and also from the Free State of Saxony.

The Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI investigates and develops specific problem solutions at the interfaces of medicine, life sciences and engineering. The Institute practices contract research for biotechnological, pharmaceutical and medical-technological companies, hospitals, diagnostic laboratories and research facilities. Within the Business Units of Agents, Cell Therapy, Diagnostic and Biobanking, the Institute develops, optimizes and validates methods, materials and products. The Institute's core competencies are located in the field of Regenerative Medicine, in particular in the indication areas of oncology, ischemia and autoimmune, inflammatory and infectious diseases. The Institute is clinically oriented and conducts quality checks and the GMP-compliant manufacture of investigational medicinal products. Moreover, the Institute provides support in obtaining manufacturing authorizations and approvals.