Stroke Preclinical Assessment Network

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What is SPAN? The Stroke Pre-Clinical Assessment Network (SPAN) seeks to conduct late-stage preclinical studies of putative neuroprotectants combined with reperfusion. SPAN utilizes a novel, adaptive, secured system for parallel testing of promising interventions designed to extend the treatment time window and/or improve outcome compared to reperfusion when combined with thrombolysis, thrombectomy or both. 

Why SPAN? SPAN was established to address a significant need in the scientific investigation of stroke treatment. In the past, a plethora of putative neuroprotectants proceeded to clinical trial based on favorable preclinical assessment, only to fail in subsequent clinical trials of human stroke patients. The recent successful development of thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke generated considerable enthusiasm for re-testing treatment candidates in combination with thrombectomy. Thus, SPAN is intended to screen and select highly promising treatment candidates for possible further study in human clinical trials. 

Uric Acid Stroke Cerebroprotection Transcended Sex, Age, and Comorbidities in a Multicenter Preclinical Trial

Submitted by SPAN on Wed, 03/26/2025 - 03:22

The article "Uric Acid Stroke Cerebroprotection Transcended Sex, Age, and Comorbidities in a Multicenter Preclinical Trial", featured on the cover of Stroke's April 2025 issue (originally published March 17, 2025), highlights uric acid (UA) as a promising cerebroprotective agent for ischemic stroke. The study shows that UA offers protection across key biological variables, including sex, age, and comorbidities, suggesting its potential for broader therapeutic use in stroke treatment and warranting further human clinical trials.

Multicenter Stroke Preclinical Assessment Network analysis of cardiovascular risk factor subgroups treated with the poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor veliparib

Submitted by SPAN on Wed, 03/12/2025 - 08:30

The exceptional contributions of SPAN Investigators and collaborators at the International Stroke Conference (ISC) 2025, held in Los Angeles from February 4-7, are proudly highlighted here. With a strong presence throughout the event, SPAN showcased cutting-edge research that underscores a commitment to excellence and collaboration in the stroke science community. This section celebrates the talks, abstracts, and posters presented, reflecting the collective impact of SPAN’s work.

ISC abstract Rakesh Patel

Submitted by SPAN on Thu, 02/27/2025 - 00:55

Dr. Rakesh Patel presented following in ISC 2025 as oral presentation.

Abstract 162: Imbalanced VWF–ADAMTS13 axis mediates the detrimental impact of preceding bacterial or COVID-19 respiratory tract infections on stroke

Predictors of Reperfusion CBF and its Effects on Outcome After Endovascular Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion in the SPAN Trial

Submitted by SPAN on Thu, 02/27/2025 - 00:05

Background & Aim

・Reperfusion cerebral blood flow (CBF) is critical for stroke outcomes. However, factors influencing Reperfusion CBF and its effect on outcomes remain unclear.

・ The Stroke Preclinical Assessment Network (SPAN) conducted a randomized, controlled, blinded, and highly heterogeneous multi-laboratory trial to identify effective interventions in the stroke animal model.

・Using SPAN MGH data, we examined 1) the predictors of reperfusion CBF and 2) the effect of reperfusion CBF on stroke outcome.

Validation and Reliability of the Stroke Preclinical Assessment Network (SPAN) Score for Neurological Function after Mouse Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion

Submitted by SPAN on Wed, 02/26/2025 - 06:57

Background

Neuroanatomy-based functional examinations are crucial for understanding the extent and effects of infarcts in stroke studies. Despite the importance of correlating neurological function with brain anatomy, a comprehensive neurological score that correlates with infarction volume and location following middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in mice is lacking. During the pilot phase of the Stroke Preclinical Assessment Network (SPAN), a new scoring system, the SPAN score, was developed.

Composite Analysis of Multi-Category Behavioral Deficits for Increasing the Translational Relevance of the Mouse Monofilament Stroke Model

Submitted by SPAN on Wed, 02/26/2025 - 01:09

INTRODUCTION

Most post-stroke behavioral deficits are short-lived in rodent stroke models. This issue poses a significant challenge when using a rodent stroke model to test therapeutic interventions.

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to explore a composite analysis of behavioral outcomes for increasing the drug testing utility of the mouse Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion (MCAO) model.

SPAN Invited to Present at ISC 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona

Submitted by SPAN on Fri, 03/15/2024 - 01:25

2/7/2024 Late Breaking Science Oral Abstract: A Novel Artificial Intelligence Method to Measure Functional Outcomes in Rodents: A Report From the Stroke Preclinical Assessment Network (SPAN)

Mariia Kumskova, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA

2/7/2024  Late Breaking Science Oral Abstract: Subgroup Analysis of Fasudil Efficacy in the Multi-Laboratory Stroke Preclinical Assessment Network Trial

Takahiko Imai, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA

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