A New Medicine for Ischemic Stroke That Targets a Blood Clot Protein

A Novel Thrombolytic Targeting Von Willebrand Factor (VWF) to Treat Ischemic Stroke

NIH-funded research Ohio State University · NIH-11145271

This research is developing a new medicine to break up blood clots in patients experiencing an ischemic stroke, aiming for a safer and more effective treatment than current options.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionOhio State University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11145271 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Currently, only one medicine is approved for acute ischemic stroke, but it can cause serious bleeding and often doesn't work well for larger clots. This project is creating a new type of clot-busting medicine that specifically targets a protein called Von Willebrand Factor (VWF), which is a key part of how stroke-causing clots form and grow. By focusing on VWF, researchers hope to develop a treatment that is both more effective at dissolving stubborn clots and safer, with fewer side effects like brain hemorrhage. This new approach could help more patients recover from stroke by quickly restoring blood flow to the brain.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Future patients experiencing an acute ischemic stroke, especially those with large vessel occlusions or who cannot receive current treatments, would be ideal candidates for this potential therapy.

Not a fit: Patients who have already recovered from a stroke or those with hemorrhagic stroke would not directly benefit from this specific clot-dissolving treatment.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this new medicine could offer a safer and more effective way to treat ischemic stroke, potentially reducing disability and saving lives.

How similar studies have performed: This approach is novel, building on preliminary data from stroke patients to develop a new thrombolytic agent, as current treatments have significant limitations.

Where this research is happening

Columbus, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.