Stroke medication developed by Hungarian research group is in clinical trial phase

The Motor Pharmacology Research Group at Eötvös Loránd University developed medication for the treatment of permanent muscle stiffness and spasms caused by damage or disruption to certain areas of the brain and spinal cord. An international patent protects the active agent: with its innovative research, the Hungarian research group managed to precede the world’s leading American institute.

According to 24, Hungarian medicines often only reach the pre-clinical phase, so the ‘MPH-220’ active agent developed by the Motor Pharmacology Research Group at Eötvös Loránd University can be considered a successful exception. Within a few years, ‘MPH-220’ can become a useful tool in the treatment of patients facing stroke recovery and suffering from painful muscle spasms.

The first phase of clinical trials testing the safety of the active agent will be performed in Hungarian hospitals. According to the agreement signed in May, the research is funded by the National Research, Development and Innovation Office. After the production of the active substance, it will be tested on healthy patients to determine the safe dose of ‘MPH-220’. The clinical trials in human subjects will start next year.

What is a stroke?

Stroke is a cerebrovascular disease; it is an abrupt interruption of constant blood flow to the brain that causes loss of neurological function. Rapid treatment is vital to prevent severe and permanent damage. The disruption of blood flow can be caused by a blockage, leading to an ischemic stroke, or by bleeding in the brain, leading to a haemorrhagic stroke.

Approximately 30% of the patients experience muscle stiffness or even muscle spasms, causing uncontrollable muscle contractions. The condition in which muscles stiffen or tighten, preventing normal fluid movement is called spasticity. This lifelong and often deteriorating condition is affecting 50−60 million people worldwide.