Stroke Foundation has congratulated Professor Bruce Campbell for receiving Federal Government funding for stroke research which has the potential to significantly improve patient outcomes.
Professor Campbell from the University of Melbourne and the investigator team including Stroke Foundation Consumer Council Chair Ms Jennifer Muller received $1.45million under the grant opportunity this week. Their project is among 27 to be awarded a share of $63.4million.
Professor Campbell said they will trial a drug, more commonly used to treat patients with lung disease, in up to 300 patients to restore blood flow after a blood clot causes a stroke.
“Time is precious when it comes to stroke. Around 1.9 million brain cells die each minute, so the faster a blocked artery is re-opened, the more we can reduce stroke-related disability,” Professor Campbell said.
“Our trial will test whether the drug dornase, which dissolves DNA within the blood clot, can accelerate the restoration of blood flow when used in conjunction with current clot dissolving medicine.”
It’s estimated there will be more than 27,400 first time strokes in Australia this year – that is one stroke every 19 minutes.
Stroke Foundation Acting Chief Executive Officer John De Rango said he was thrilled Professor Campbell, the Chair of the Stroke Foundation Clinical Council, received this funding to progress his vital research.
“Professor Campbell is one of Australia’s brightest minds and tireless champions when it comes to stroke, and his research is having a significant impact on many people’s lives,” Mr De Rango said.
“High quality evidence-based research holds the key to making significant advances in acute treatment and care which will save lives and improve the quality of life for people with stroke in the future.
“Better outcomes will also reduce the burden of stroke on the community and economy.”
In 2020, the estimated cost of stroke in Australia was $6.2 billion in direct financial impact, and a further $26.0 billion in mortality and lost wellbeing.
