Drug 'may cut stroke disability'

Prof Kennedy Lees, who led the research

Scientists hope a new drug could cut the risk of serious disability following a stroke.

A trial, led by Glasgow University researchers, involving more than 1,700 patients in 154 hospitals worldwide has produced promising results.

The treatment, known as NXY-059, works by minimising brain damage in the early hours after an clot-related stroke.

Stroke is one of the most common causes of death and long-term disability around the world.

This trial opens up new horizons for treatment of one of the most important conditions affecting our society Professor Kennedy Lees

A clot-related, or ischaemic, stroke is caused by a blockage in the blood vessels supplying the brain.

It can cause symptoms including facial weakness, arm weakness and problems speaking.

But it is estimated that under 1% of stroke patients in the UK currently receive drugs to reduce the risk of further clots.

Assessment

During the latest trial, patients were examined when they arrived at hospital within six hours of developing symptoms of a stroke.

Half were given normal fluids through a drip, while the others received normal fluids and NXY-059.

Lead researcher Professor Kennedy Lees said: "Patients who were given this new drug were more likely to have made a full recovery from stroke after three months.

Victims of strokes are given physiotherapy

"Their odds of avoiding disability were about 20% better if they were given NXY-059."

Professor Lees said the results showed it was possible to treat stroke later than three hours after symptoms had started.

They also suggested that the drug could cut the increased risk of bleeding associated with clot-busting drugs.

The researchers said that the effect was relatively modest for individual patients, but since the treatment could be given to so many people it could have a profound effect on the numbers left disabled.

Professor Lees said: "This trial opens up new horizons for treatment of one of the most important conditions affecting our society."

Exciting results

David Clark, chief executive of the charity Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland, said the results of the trial were "very exciting".

"About half of all stroke survivors have some significant disability, so anything which reduces this disability is potentially of great benefit, especially as this has the potential to be developed as a routine treatment in all stroke units."

Joe Korner, of the Stroke Association said: "The potential of this drug is very interesting and could provide another tool for health professionals in the treatment of acute stroke.

"It's not yet clear exactly how this might benefit individuals but what we do know is that the quicker a stroke patient receives expert diagnosis and is admitted into a stroke unit the better their outcome.

"It may take many years for this drug to come onto the market.

"Stroke is a medical emergency and the public must be more aware of the symptoms so they can receive the many treatments already available.

"A key to this will be increasing public knowledge of stroke symptoms."