May issue of NeuroPerspective assesses field of stroke therapeutics

NeuroPerspective, the independent, monthly review of the neurotherapeutics area, has released its May issue, which assesses the field of therapeutics for stroke.

"We have been waiting for good news in stroke for a long time, and it remains elusive for pharmacotherapy, where there were two more pivotal trial failures during 2011, from D-Pharm and Sygnis. But devices have taken the clinical high ground, particularly in clot retrieval, where Covidien's 'Solitaire' device has produced impressive results. In fact, it would not be surprising if inclusion of such devices were to become the new standard of care, with drug or cell therapy candidates utilized either as adjuncts or in post-stroke repair," said Harry Tracy PhD, publisher of NeuroPerspective (www.niresearch.com).

Novel mechanisms for neuroprotection in stroke have underperformed, but there was some impressive albeit preliminary Phase II data from NoNo. Lundbeck is completing Phase III testing for DSPA. ReNeuron and SanBio continue with post-stroke repair programs using cell therapy; Pfizer is continuing with Phase II testing of a stroke recovery molecule, PF-03049423. BrainsGate and PhotoThera are in Phase III testing with their SPG stimulator and infrared laser therapies, respectively. The May issue of NeuroPerspective reviews these programs and their prospects.

The May issue of NeuroPerspective also includes commentary on:

1. Triage time at Targacept
2. Upcoming events in the neurotherapeutics area: 'Blood and Roses'
3. The federal JOBS Act and the revival of sell-side analyst participation
4. The clinical irrelevance of AmyVid
5. A summary company review of NeuroKin

SOURCE NI Research