Semaglutide Enters Phase 3 Trial for Stroke Recovery After Thrombectomy

Acute ischemic stroke, a leading cause of long-term disability, occurs when a blood clot blocks blood flow to the brain. While endovascular thrombectomy (a procedure to remove the clot) has revolutionized treatment, many patients still face significant neurological deficits. Research suggests that glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), like Semaglutide, possess neuroprotective properties beyond their metabolic effects. This study addresses the crucial knowledge gap of whether Semaglutide can significantly improve neurological outcomes when administered during or immediately after thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke.

This Phase 3 randomized, double-blind trial is designed to investigate whether Semaglutide can improve neurological outcomes following endovascular thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke. The primary objective is to assess the efficacy of 0.5 mg Semaglutide in enhancing functional recovery, measured by established neurological scales such as the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 90 days post-treatment. Researchers hypothesize that patients receiving Semaglutide will demonstrate superior neurological improvement compared to the placebo group, potentially leading to a significant reduction in long-term disability. The study aims to determine if Semaglutide treatment will lead to a statistically significant improvement in post-stroke disability and functional independence, with a target of at least a 15% relative improvement in favorable outcomes (mRS 0-2) compared to placebo. Secondary outcomes will include assessments of safety, incidence of adverse events, and long-term neurological function over the study period, with follow-ups extending beyond the initial 90-day primary endpoint.