Practical NeurologyNovel Brain Cytoprotection Combination Therapy Associated with Improved Functional Outcomes in People with Acute Ischemic Stroke

Novel Cytoprotection Therapy in Stroke Management: Paving the Way for Enhanced Recovery Outcomes

In a significant stride toward advancing stroke treatment, the TASTE-SL clinical trial sheds light on the efficacy of Sanbexin, a novel sublingual therapy, in improving functional outcomes post-acute ischemic stroke. This study not only reinforces the potential of combination therapy in stroke recovery but also hints at broader implications for neuroprotective strategies in cerebrovascular diseases.

Key Points:

• Sanbexin, a combination of edaravone and dexborneol, significantly improved functional outcomes in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients compared to a placebo in the TASTE-SL trial.
• The trial was a phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study involving 914 participants with AIS.
• Participants were within the age range of 18 to 80 years and were treated within 48 hours of symptom onset.
• Eligibility criteria included an NIHSS score between 6 and 20, a total motor deficit score ≥2 for limbs, and a pre-stroke mRS score of ≤1.
• The primary outcome was achieving an mRS score of ≤1 at 90 days post-randomization, with 64.4% in the Sanbexin group reaching this goal versus 54.7% in the placebo group.
• Sanbexin was administered as 36 mg sublingual tablets (30 mg edaravone, 6 mg dexborneol) twice daily for 14 days with a follow-up period of 90 days.
• The risk difference in achieving the primary outcome was 9.70% (95% CI, 3.37% to 16.03%; P=.003), favoring Sanbexin.
• The occurrence of adverse events was comparable between the Sanbexin (89.8%) and placebo (90.1%) groups.
• Professor Wang Yongun highlighted the potential of brain cell protection therapy in stroke treatment, indicating a shift towards more accessible home-based treatment options.

“Following the TASTE study, the TASTE-SL study further confirmed the efficacy and safety of the sublingual dosage form in the AIS population, and a more convenient way of administering the drug is expected to push the brain cell protection to home treatment.”
– Professor Wang Yongun, President of Beijing Tiantan Hospital of Capital Medical University

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