New nasal drops save the lives of stroke patients

The chances of recovery are greatly diminished unless a stroke sufferer receives treatment within a few hours. But the good news is that this is likely to change soon thanks to newly developed nasal drops, according to New Atlas, citing the journal Clinical Investigation.

Scientists at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden, the University of Cologne in Germany, and the Czech Academy of Sciences are currently developing a drug that contains an amino acid chain known as C3a peptide, which is produced naturally in the central nervous system, in light of the results of previous research, which had suggested that the peptide could help with Restoration of motor function in stroke victims.

Experiments on laboratory rats

As part of the current study, the nasal drops were administered to mice seven days after the animals had suffered a stroke. When compared later with an untreated control group, the lab rats that received the new treatment recovered motor function faster, and to a greater extent. MRI scans of their brains also showed an increase in the formation of new connections between neurons. The added doses of C3a peptide appeared to enhance the function of cells called astrocytes, which control some of the functions of nerve cells.

Timing of treatment

The beneficial effect of the nasal drops persisted long after treatment was discontinued. But researchers believe that if the drops are given too soon after a stroke, they may have a harmful effect by increasing the number of inflammatory cells in the brain.

Human clinical trials

Human clinical trials are now being planned. “This way, there is no need for a race against time,” said Prof. Marcella Picna of the University of Gothenburg, who led the study. “If the treatment is used in clinical practice, all stroke patients can Even those who arrive at the hospital too late for thrombolysis or thrombectomy receive it, as those who have residual disability after removal of the clot can improve with this treatment as well.”