A nerve protecting drug combination could improve stroke outcomes

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2024-02-20 10:15

Australia; International; NSW

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A fast-acting drug combination that works to protect the cells in the brain, could help improve patients' symptoms after a stroke, according to a study from China. The study found that the combination of edaravone and dexborneol, which together have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, could significantly improve stroke outcomes compared to placebo. The drugs can be placed under the tongue, which makes them useful even in patients who are unconscious, disabled, or unable to swallow. An accompanying editorial by Australian experts says the findings are a 'remarkable result' but also highlights potential conflicts of interest among the authors.