The EMPHASIS trial is a multicenter, double-blind, randomized controlled trial of the efficacy and safety of minocycline in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Treatment with minocycline was started within 72 hours after the onset of the event. After 90 days, minocycline provided a significant functional benefit compared with placebo. No concerns about the safety of the treatment were noted. The results suggest the need for future studies to confirm the findings. These studies should verify whether the benefits extend to patients with more severe or less severe strokes.