Increased Funding for Stroke Research

It is an exciting time for stroke research. Over the last couple of years with the use of tPA, and now at the most recent International Stroke and Cerebral Circulation Conference meeting, the announcement of 2 promising new thrombolytic agents (Ancrod and Pro-urokinase) for acute stroke treatment, it is an exciting time indeed. Neuroprotective agents are still being investigated, and while an effective neuroprotective agent has not yet been identified in humans, almost assuredly one will come to light soon. The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association (AHA/ASA) is making significant efforts to provide dollars for stroke research for both clinical and basic science areas. The AHA/ASA for 1997–98 provided some $6 million for stroke-specific research, with a projection for the year 2001 of $11.3 million. Another $33.7 million was provided for research that was related in some way to stroke. In addition, there is a very exciting new commitment …