Another Trial of Ancrod for Acute Ischemic Stroke

In a placebo-controlled trial, this snake-venom derivative was administered within 6 hours after onset of stroke symptoms.

Ancrod, a substance with antithrombotic properties, is derived from the venom of the Malayan pit viper. In the previously published, manufacturer-funded, randomized Stroke Treatment with Ancrod Trial (STAT), patients from North America with acute ischemic stroke had significantly better functional status at 3 months with ancrod than with placebo — each initially administered within 3 hours after symptom onset (Journal Watch Neurology Aug 1 2000). In the current, manufacturer-funded study, the European Stroke Treatment with Ancrod Trial (ESTAT), patients with acute ischemic stroke were randomized to receive ancrod or placebo within 6 hours after symptom onset.

After enrolling 1222 patients, ESTAT was stopped for lack of efficacy. The function…

Reviewing Author

David G. Sherman, MD

Another Trial of Ancrod for Acute Ischemic Stroke

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Reviewing Author