One-pill combination to prevent repeat strokes for survivors in Ghana
Stroke Minimization through Additive Anti-atherosclerotic Agents in Routine Treatment II Study
This project will see if a single low-cost pill combining aspirin, a cholesterol medicine, and blood-pressure medicine helps people who survived a stroke in Ghana take their medicines and avoid another stroke.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northern California Institute/res/edu NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11177728 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you survived a stroke, this project offers a single low-cost pill that combines aspirin, a statin, and blood-pressure medicine to simplify treatment. Researchers will give the polypill to stroke survivors at clinical sites in Ghana and compare medication use and health outcomes with usual care. They will monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, medication adherence, side effects, and any new strokes or hospital visits over time. The approach focuses on a practical, affordable way to lower the chance of another stroke in settings with limited health resources.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults who have survived a stroke and who are seen at participating clinics in Ghana (or other participating sites in sub-Saharan Africa) and who can take aspirin, a statin, and blood-pressure medication are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without a prior stroke, those with allergies or medical contraindications to aspirin/statins/BP drugs (for example bleeding disorders, severe liver disease), pregnant people, or those requiring highly individualized dosing are unlikely to benefit from this polypill approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could make it much easier and cheaper for stroke survivors in sub-Saharan Africa to stick to prevention medicines and reduce repeat strokes and deaths.
How similar studies have performed: Other polypill programs for cardiovascular disease have improved medication adherence and risk-factor control in various countries, but using a polypill specifically for stroke survivors in sub-Saharan Africa is less well studied.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- Northern California Institute/res/edu — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ovbiagele, Bruce — Northern California Institute/res/edu
- Study coordinator: Ovbiagele, Bruce
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.