- Animal models have shown that neuroprotectants, including free radical trapping agents, decrease injury after ischemic stroke.
- NXY-059 is a promising neuroprotective agent that was studied in the SAINT I and II trials.
- SAINT I showed that NXY-059 used within 6 hours of ischemic stroke resulted in significant improvement in the primary outcome measure of reduced disability at 90 days.
- SAINT II was done to confirm the results of SAINT I with a larger study population, but unfortunately did not show any significant difference in mortality between NXY-059 and placebo. There was also no difference in adverse reactions, however.
- More research is needed to determine the best neuroprotective agent to be used acutely for ischemic stroke.
- The future of emergency treatment of ischemic stroke will likely include such agents, to be administered by emergency physicians.