Acticor Biotech is a spin-off from Inserm (French National Institute of Health and Medical Research) dedicated to the development of an innovative therapeutic strategy for a safe and effective emergency treatment of ischemic strokes which account for 80% of all strokes. Acticor Biotech’s project stems from the sheer need for new therapeutic options to manage stroke. According to the World Health Organization, 15 million people suffer stroke worldwide each year. Of these, 5 million die and another 5 million are permanently disabled. Stroke is the third cause of death in the world and the leading cause of death among women. It is also the first cause of adult acquired disabilities resulting from the neurological damages sustained by 75% of the survivors. However only one treatment is presently recommended by health authorities and is it estimated that only 15% of ischemic stroke patients are treated with it, with less that 40% efficacy. So while this treatment is very useful for ischemic stroke, a major need for a new treatment capable of effectively treating a majority of ischemic stroke patients remains. This project is based on the academic research from Acticor Biotech founders Dr. M. Jandrot-Perrus and Prof. P. Billiald. It was supported by top institutions including the ANR (The French National Research Agency), the Fondation de France. The project also won the 2012 national prize for innovation in creation & development category from the BPI (French Public Investment Bank, formerly Oseo).