Testing Dual-Target Agent Loberamisal in Phase 3 Trial for Acute Ischemic Stroke: Shuya Li, MD

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"Maybe this clinical trial gives us confidence in neuroprotective agents, because there is a long way to achieve effective neuroprotectant efficacy for [poststroke] patients. We also demonstrated that this neuroprotectant therapy [could] help patients in 48 hours of symptom onset, which enlarges the therapeutic time window."

Loberamisal is an investigational new-generation dual-target therapy designed to protect brain cells in the first 2 days following a stroke. New findings from a phase 3 trial of loberamisal showed that postroke patients treated with the neuroprotective agent intravenously daily for 10 days and starting within 48 hours of stroke symptoms had better recovery comapred with placebo. Study author Shuya Li, MD, presented these results as a preliminary late-breaking presentation at the recently concluded 2026 International Stroke Conference (ISC), held February 4-6, in New Orleans, Louisiana.¹

Researchers conducted this large-scale study at 32 sites in China and enrolled 998 adults aged 18 to 80 years with moderate to severe acute ischemic stroke. Within 48 hours of symptom onset, participants were randomized to receive either a daily 40-mg intravenous infusion of loberamisal or a matched placebo for 10 days. Approximately 17% of participants received standard intravenous thrombolytic therapy, which limited the assessment of potential combined treatment effects. Investigators noted that patients who underwent mechanical thrombectomy were excluded from the trial.

To further discuss the trial results, NeurologyLive^® spoke with Li, director of the Clinical Trial Center and head of the Phase I Clinical Research Unit at Beijing Tiantan Hospital in Beijing. Although no significant differences were observed in National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale changes or Barthel Index scores, Li stated that the findings support further investigation of dual neuroprotective agents. Additionally, she explained that the therapy demonstrated potential benefits in addressing poststroke anxiety and depression, potentially expanding its clinical relevance.

Click here for more coverage of ISC 2026.

REFERENCES
1. Started within 48 hours of stroke, neuroprotective medication helped brain cells, recovery. News release. American Stroke Association. February 6, 2026. Accessed February 20, 2026. https://newsroom.heart.org/news/started-within-48-hours-of-stroke-neuroprotective-medication-helped-brain-cells-recovery