Stroke

Neurological diseases cause a massive burden, which will increase as populations age. Rapid advances in our understanding of disease mechanisms must be translated into human benefits. We cannot stop once technologies have been developed, but must ensure that evidence and pipelines are in place for their implementation to reduce burden and inequalities.

In a first-in-human study, intranasal transplantation of mesenchymal stromal cells was safe and well-tolerated in newborns who had suffered a stroke — laying the foundation for large-scale clinical trials.

Blood vascular leakage in conjunction with stroke causes edema and a worsened outcome. Through augmented and selective tyrosine phosphatase activity, endothelial junctions can be sealed, resulting in reduced stroke volume and improved survival.

A recent paper published in Science Translational Medicine presents evidence for a role of the enzyme autotaxin in excitotoxicity after stroke.

Patients with CYP2C19 mutations may have suboptimal responses to clopidogrel, but another anti-platelet agent — ticagrelor — may help to prevent stroke recurrence.