Semax Improves Neurological Recovery in Ischemic Stroke Patients

Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability, characterized by a sudden loss of blood flow to the brain, leading to neuronal damage. Current treatments primarily focus on reperfusion therapies (e.g., thrombolysis) in the acute phase, but there remains a significant need for effective neuroprotective and neurorestorative agents to improve functional outcomes. This study specifically addresses how Semax, a synthetic peptide, impacts recovery in patients at various stages of ischemic stroke.

Treatment with Semax significantly improved neurological outcomes compared to placebo across all stroke stages. Patients receiving Semax showed an average 2.5-point reduction in NIHSS score by day 90 (from 10.2 to 7.7) compared to a 0.8-point reduction in the placebo group (p<0.001). This indicates a substantial improvement in neurological deficit. The most significant improvement was observed in the acute phase group, where 43% of Semax-treated patients achieved an mRS score of 0-1 (indicating no significant disability) by day 90, compared to only 18% in the placebo group (p<0.01). Furthermore, the Semax group demonstrated a 35% reduction in the incidence of post-stroke cognitive impairment (p=0.02). These benefits were sustained throughout the 90-day follow-up, suggesting a lasting neurorestorative effect.