Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 18, 2026

Optimized Management of Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke
Published on: January 18, 2018
Novel therapies for acute ischemic stroke
Ronen R Leker1, Roni Eichel, Guy Rafaeli
1Department of Neurology, Ginges Center for Neurogenetics, Scheinberg Cerebrovascular Research Laboratory, Hadassah University Hospital, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel. leker@cc.huji.ac.il
Insights
Novel therapies are urgently needed for acute ischemic stroke (AIS), a leading cause of death and disability. Current treatments like tissue plasminogen activator have limitations, driving research into cutting-edge neuroprotective strategies.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is a major global health challenge, causing significant mortality and long-term disability.
- Existing treatments, such as tissue plasminogen activator, have narrow therapeutic windows and limited patient eligibility.
- Despite extensive research, no single neuroprotective drug has proven effective in clinical trials for AIS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and highlight novel and cutting-edge therapeutic strategies for acute ischemic stroke.
- To address the unmet need for more effective treatments beyond current standards of care.
- To explore potential neuroprotective agents targeting mechanisms of cerebral ischemia.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent advancements in acute ischemic stroke therapies.
- Survey of emerging neuroprotective drug candidates and treatment modalities.
- Analysis of preclinical and early clinical data on novel therapeutic approaches.
Main Results:
- Identification of several promising therapeutic avenues beyond traditional revascularization.
- Discussion of strategies aimed at salvaging the ischemic penumbra.
- Highlighting the potential of novel agents to overcome limitations of current AIS treatments.
Conclusions:
- Novel therapeutic strategies are essential to improve outcomes for acute ischemic stroke patients.
- Emerging treatments show promise in addressing the complex pathophysiology of cerebral ischemia.
- Continued research and clinical trials are crucial for developing effective neuroprotective therapies for AIS.
Abstract:
Acute ischemic stroke is one of the leading causes of mortality and chronic disability in the western world. Yet, despite the enormous socioeconomic burden that it imposes, therapies to combat AIS are not widely available. Moreover, revascularization of the ischemic tissue with tissue plasminogen activator, the only FDA-approved therapy for AIS, is hampered by a very narrow therapeutic time window and is only used in a minority of patients. Cerebral ischemia leads to brain damage caused by several pathologic mechanisms that can potentially be blocked by neuroprotective drugs that aim to salvage the ischemic penumbra. However, despite numerous clinical trials, no single drug candidate has proved efficacious in AIS. The current situation calls for novel therapeutic strategies to be used in acute ischemic stroke. This review surveys some of these novel and promising cutting edge therapies.
Related Concept Videos
Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction
Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology
Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care
Hemorrhagic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology
Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations
