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Updated: Aug 7, 2026

A Thrombotic Stroke Model Based On Transient Cerebral Hypoxia-ischemia
Published on: August 18, 2015
Novel therapies for the prevention of stroke
Christopher J Boos1, Gregory Y H Lip
1Southampton General Hospital, Department of Cardiology, UK. christopherboos@hotmail.com
Insights
Pharmacological therapies are key for stroke prevention, with established drugs like clopidogrel and aspirin combinations proving effective. Novel agents and a potential polypill offer future promise for reducing stroke incidence and burden.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Stroke imposes a significant health and economic burden on society.
- Pharmacological interventions are the cornerstone of stroke prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current and emerging pharmacological therapies for stroke prevention.
- To evaluate the efficacy of various agents in reducing stroke incidence and improving patient outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on pharmacological stroke prevention.
- Analysis of clinical trial data for antiplatelet agents, anticoagulants, and other novel therapies.
- Discussion of emerging strategies including polypills.
Main Results:
- Established agents like clopidogrel and aspirin combinations demonstrate efficacy in secondary stroke prevention.
- Novel oral anticoagulants, such as ximelagatran, show potential for non-valvular atrial fibrillation.
- Emerging therapies including fish oils, homocysteine-lowering treatments, and anti-inflammatory agents warrant further investigation.
Conclusions:
- Pharmacological therapies are crucial for managing stroke risk.
- A range of effective and novel agents exist for stroke prevention.
- Future research and development, including polypill strategies, may offer enhanced stroke prevention options.
Abstract:
The health and economic burden of stroke to society is enormous. Pharmacological therapies remain the primary stroke prevention strategy for the vast majority. Several existing and newer pharmacological agents aimed at the treatment of hypertension and lowering cholesterol are proving to be effective. For example, the antiplatelet agent clopidogrel has reduced end points in the secondary prevention of stroke, as have combinations of aspirin with traditional therapies, including dipyramidole. The direct oral thrombin inhibitor ximelagatran is a novel oral anticoagulant that has shown significant potential as a possible replacement to warfarin therapy, for the prevention of stroke for patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. Additional novel agents with hypothetical, although not yet proven, benefits in stroke prevention include fish oils, homocysteine-lowering therapy and anti-inflammatory agents. Finally, a controversial novel polypill, which would include fixed combinations of several pharmacological agents, may yet become a realistic and promising stroke prevention option.
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