Neurocysticercosis

Tackling the World’s Most Common Cause of Acquired Epilepsy

Neurocysticercosis (NCC) arises when larvae of the pork tapeworm (Taenia solium) infect the brain, causing cysts that later calcify. These “brain stones” trigger inflammation, scarring, and recurrent seizures, representing the leading cause of acquired epilepsy worldwide, particularly in regions of Latin America, Asia, and sub-Saharan Africa.

Even after antiparasitic therapy successfully kills the parasite, the residual calcified lesions remain active foci of seizures in many patients, leading to a lifelong burden of epilepsy.

Zy Therapeutics’ program explores the use of ZY-001 to safely bind and neutralize these calcified foci within the CNS, potentially reducing seizure recurrence and improving long-term neurological outcomes. Early clinical studies and animal models, including ongoing studies in Peru, support the neuroprotective effects of etidronate in this setting.