Postgraduate Research Guide

New frontier in stroke treatment NEW RESEARCH INTO THE TREATMENT OF STROKE, LED BY NOTRE DAME PHD GRADUATE, DR DIEGO MILANI, INDICATES THAT A SIMPLE INJECTION COULD REDUCE BRAIN DAMAGE BY UP TO 40 PERCENT. The peptide-based treatment, administered on-the-spot by paramedics, paves the way for a new frontier in the treatment of stroke and its devastating consequences for more than 60,000 Australians each year. Currently, life-saving stroke treatment can only be administered in hospitals which often leads to delays as patients are ferried over long distances to hospital facilities. “The research findings highlight the possibility that a simple injection of a new peptide, composed of the amino acid arginine and administered within 40 minutes of the onset of the stroke could significantly reduce brain damage,” said Dr Milani, who is working on the breakthrough program with researchers from the Perron Institute. “It could be particularly effective in remote and rural areas, providing immediate attention for stroke sufferers who would otherwise have to travel long distances to get hospital treatment. “I hope to one day see the treatment carried in every ambulance in the country as, currently, almost 90 percent of stroke sufferers do not receive any treatment before they get to hospital,” added Dr Milani. Laboratory studies have so far shown no visible side effects to the treatment. Clinical trials, to be conducted in the next few years, will not only assess the effectiveness of the peptide in treating brain injury, but also chronic neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. The only available current treatment for stroke is a drug called tPA, administered alone or in combination with a thrombectomy – a small stent inserted into a blood vessel to open up the flow of blood again – which can only be carried out in a hospital. Dr Diego Milani (Image: Perron Institute) RESEARCH MATTERS Apply direct notredame.edu.au 55