Stroke patients treated intravenously with loberamisal, a novel neuroprotective medication, daily for 10 days starting within 48 hours of symptom onset had a higher proportion of excellent functional outcomes at 90 days than those receiving placebo, according to preliminary late-breaking science presented at the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference 2026.
The phase III clinical trial, conducted at 32 centers in China, enrolled 998 adults aged 18 to 80 with moderate to severe ischemic stroke caused by a blocked vessel. Participants received either 40 mg of loberamisal or a matched placebo via daily intravenous infusion for 10 days, initiated within 48 hours of stroke symptoms. Only about 17% received standard IV clot-busting medication, and those who underwent mechanical thrombectomy were excluded.
At 90 days, 69% of patients treated with loberamisal achieved excellent functional recovery—defined as little to no disability on the modified Rankin Scale (score 0-1)—compared to about 56% in the placebo group. The treatment was deemed safe, with no increased risk of serious side effects or death.
“Neuroprotective agents may help improve patient outcomes since they are aimed at preserving the function of neurovascular units. However, trials for most of these agents have not been successful,” said study author Shuya Li, M.D., director of the Clinical Trial Center at Beijing Tiantan Hospital. “New treatments for stroke may come from multi-target neuroprotective agents, which could lead to important advancements in reducing or preventing disability after a stroke.”
The American Stroke Association’s 2026 Guideline for the Early Management of Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke notes renewed interest in neuroprotection but highlights knowledge gaps that require further research.
Study limitations include its confinement to China, limiting generalizability. Most participants had moderate to severe strokes, and no blood or imaging biomarkers were assessed. “We want to confirm our findings with larger groups of people, including people from different racial and ethnic backgrounds, patients with more severe strokes and those who also have had vascular surgery,” Li said.
The findings are considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal.
