Scientists have identified a drug that limits the death of brain cells due to stroke and helps in repairing the damage caused by birth of neurons.
A reduction in blood flow to the brain caused by stroke is a major cause of death and disability.
There are few effective treatments; an exception to this is drug IL-1Ra.
Scientists found that a potential new stroke drug not only limits the death of existing brain cells but also promotes the birth of new neurones (so-called neurogenesis).
Finding provides further support for the development of anti inflammatory drug, interluekin-1 receptor antagonist or IL-1Ra as a new treatment for stroke.
Drug is licensed for use in humans for some conditions including rheumatoid arthritis.
Several early stage clinical trials in stroke with IL-1Ra have already been completed in Manchester though not yet licensed for the condition.
Use of IL-1RNa might be better than other failed drugs in stroke as it limits the initial damage of the brain cells but also repairs itself long term through the generation of new brain cells.
New cells are thought to help restore function to areas of the brain damaged by stroke.
Results lend further strong support to the use of the IL-1Ra in the treatment of stroke- further large trials are needed.
Stroke- Also called a cerebrovascular accident
- Occurs due to problems in blood supply to the brain. The blood supply is blocked or the blood vessel within the brain ruptures
Three main kinds of strokes are:
- Ischemic strokes
- Hemorrhagic strokes
- Transient ischemic attacks/mini-strokes
