Ancrod

Ischaemic stroke occurs in over 500,000 US residents each year. Most strokes are due to embolic or thrombotic occlusion of an artery to the brain. Strategies to reduce thrombus formation and to improve blood flow in the compromised arterial bed have been have been a major focus of management with the goal of improving the outcome of ischaemic stroke. Ancrod is a biological agent extracted from the venom of the Malayan pit viper that reduces blood fibrinogen levels. This action prolongs blood clot formation and lowers blood viscosity. Ancrod has been studied in a variety of ischaemic conditions including stroke. The clinical studies of ancrod in patients with stroke have shown a benefit with ancrod treatment in neurological outcome with only a modest increase in bleeding risk.