New drug shows promise for stroke patients

A potential new drug that reduces the number of brain cells destroyed by a stroke and also repairs the damage has been discovered by researchers at The University of Manchester.

The team of scientists at The University of Manchester found that through testing the drug in rodents, it limited the death of existing brains cells and also promoted the birth of new neurons. 

Newly generated brain cells are believed to help restore functions to areas of the brain damaged by the stroke. The researchers have previously found that lost motor skills due to a stroke in rodents were regained when treat with IL-1Ra

There are few effective treatments for preventing brain damage after a stroke, where a reduction in blood flow to the brain is a major cause of death and disability.

The anti-inflammatory drug interlukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) is already used for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. Early stage clinical trials have been completed for the drug’s use targeting stroke patients.

Leading the research is professor Stuart Allan who said: “The results lend further strong support to the use of IL-1Ra in the treatment of stroke, however further large trials are necessary.”

The research was published in the biomedical journal, Brain, Behaviour and Immunity.