Ongoing, recruitingTherapeutic exploratory (Phase II)Interventional

Long-term iron chelation in the prevention of secondary remote degeneration after stroke

This research is investigating whether a medication called Ferriprox (also known as deferiprone) can help people who have had a stroke. After a stroke, sometimes iron levels can change in the brain, which might lead to further issues. The study aims to see if Ferriprox, which helps remove excess iron, can prevent these secondary problems in important brain areas. Researchers will be comparing brain scans (MRIs) at the beginning of the study and after six months to see how iron levels change. They will also look at how patients' movement, thinking, and mood are affected over time, comparing those who receive the medicine with those who don't. The goal is to understand if this treatment could offer a way to protect the brain and improve recovery after a stroke.

At a glance

Status

Ongoing, recruiting

Phase

Therapeutic exploratory (Phase II)

Sponsor

Centre Hospitalier Universitaire De Bordeaux

Enrolment target

100

Start

20 Aug 2024

Stroke

What is this study about?

When someone has a stroke, it can sometimes lead to changes in parts of the brain that were not directly damaged by the stroke itself. One of these changes can involve how iron is stored in the brain.

This study is exploring whether a medicine called Ferriprox, which is already used for other conditions, could help prevent these changes and protect remote brain areas after a stroke. The main idea is to see if Ferriprox can reduce iron levels in a specific part of the brain called the substantia nigra, which is important for movement.

Researchers will use special brain scans called MRIs to measure iron levels at the start of the study and again after six months. They will compare these measurements in patients who receive Ferriprox with those who don't. The study also looks at other brain areas, how well people can move, think, and their overall mood, to get a full picture of the medicine's effects. This is an early stage study (Phase II), meaning it's testing if the treatment is safe and effective enough to be studied in a larger group of people.

Key takeaways

This study is looking at a medicine called Ferriprox for stroke recovery.
It aims to see if Ferriprox can lower iron levels in the brain after a stroke.
Researchers hope this could prevent further brain damage and improve recovery.
Brain scans (MRIs) and tests for movement, thinking, and mood will be used.
The study runs for about six months and involves people over 18 who have had a stroke.

Who may be eligible?

This study is open to both men and women. To take part, you need to be at least 18 years old – there's no upper age limit.

More detailed information about other health conditions or medications that might prevent you from joining will be discussed with the study team. It's important that and your doctor review all the criteria carefully to decide if this study is suitable for you.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Have you recently had a stroke?
Do you feel comfortable attending scheduled appointments and brain scans?
Are you open to potentially taking a study medicine or being in a comparison group?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, the study will involve several visits over about six months. You'll have an MRI brain scan at the very beginning (within five days of your stroke) and another one after six months. If you are in the group that receives the study medicine (Ferriprox), you'll take these tablets as prescribed.

Throughout the study, the team will also check your movement abilities, how well you can think, and your mood at three months and six months. These checks help the researchers understand how the medicine might be affecting your recovery. The total duration of active participation in the study is six months, with follow-up appointments.

Potential risks and benefits

It's important to remember that this is a research study, and we don't yet know if Ferriprox will provide a direct benefit for stroke recovery in this context. Potential benefits could include protection against further brain damage, but this is what the study is aiming to discover. Like all medicines, Ferriprox can have side effects, which will be fully explained to you by the study team. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

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Unverified
France

Common questions

What is Ferriprox?

Ferriprox is a medicine that helps to remove excess iron from the body. In this study, we're exploring if it can affect iron levels in the brain after a stroke.

Why are you looking at iron in the brain?

Sometimes after a stroke, iron levels can change in parts of the brain. Researchers are investigating if reducing these iron levels could help protect brain cells and improve recovery.

Will I definitely get the study medicine?

Some participants will receive Ferriprox, while others will be in a control group and won't. This comparison helps researchers understand if the medicine makes a difference.

What is an MRI scan?

An MRI is a special type of brain scan that uses strong magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures. It will be used to measure iron levels in this study.

How long will the study last for me?

Your involvement in the study will last for about six months, during which you'll have appointments and assessments.