STROKE RESEARCH TRIALS

Several clinical research studies are underway at the Chattanooga Center for Neurolgic Research. The Center specializes in acute and secondary stroke prevention trials. The following are a summary of ongoing investigations.

ARTIST- In this investigation an innovative neuroprotective agent is administered to patients in the midst of an acute stroke. The medication is believed to decrease electrical signals within the ischemic brain. This effect may limit further injury caused by stroke. The compound under study can be used
in conjunction with the “clot-busting” drug, t-PA.

CHARISMA- Aspirin and the anti-platelet medication, Plavix, are combined in this clinical trial to determine whether together, they are more effective than either drug used individually.

DIAS- The agent in this study is an advanced “clot-buster” that dissolves vascular obstructions in the brain. Because of its biochemical specificity, the
drug used in DIAS is expected to be safer and more effective than t-PA, causing less systemic bleeding and hemorrhage.

RREACT- This is an acute stroke trial using a compound which inhibits glial cell activation in the brain. Glial cells are thought to play an inflammatory role in ischemic brain injury that increases the size of the patient’s stroke. By inhibiting glial cell activation this compound may decrease the ultimate stroke area. Patients enrolled in this study must present within onset of stroke symptoms less than six hours old. This Phase II investigation will involve careful evaluation by a neurologist and neuro-imaging with MRI scans of the brain.