Anti-adhesion molecules offer a novel approach to the treatment of ischaemic brain injury following stroke. In a preclinical study, the anti-intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (anti-ICAM-1) antibody preparation 1A29, reduced infarct volume after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion. A clinical trial with another anti-ICAM-1 antibody preparation enlimomab, is now underway in patients with acute ischaemic stroke. Details of these studies and the role of adhesion molecules in contributing to ischaemic brain injury, were discussed at the 20th International Joint Conference on Stroke and Cerebral Circulation [Charleston, South Carolina, US; February 1995].