Stroke-minimizing pill combo for stroke survivors in sub-Saharan Africa
Official title: Stroke Minimization through Additive Anti-atherosclerotic Agents in Routine Treatment II Study
Funded at Northern California Institute/res/edu · NIH-11413737 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A simple, low-cost pill pack (polypill) containing aspirin, a statin, and blood pressure medicine is being tested to help stroke survivors in sub-Saharan Africa take their medicines more reliably and improve outcomes.
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 start | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $10,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS129133-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11413737 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults who have survived a stroke and live in sub-Saharan Africa, especially areas with limited healthcare resources.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who cannot take aspirin or statins due to intolerance or contraindications may not benefit.
What this research studies
This grant explores whether fixed-dose combination pills can be given to stroke survivors in sub-Saharan Africa to improve medication adherence and reduce the risk of further stroke or disability. The study focuses on LMIC settings, where health resources are limited, and aims to identify practical ways to implement evidence-based secondary prevention therapies. Researchers plan to partner with local clinics to compare adherence, downstream health events, and feasibility of delivering a polypill to a broad patient group.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could have a simple, affordable option to prevent another stroke and lessen disability.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies in various settings have shown that polypills can improve adherence and reduce cardiovascular events, though results in SSA contexts are still evolving.
Where this research is happening
-
Northern California Institute/res/edu
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ovbiagele, Bruce — Northern California Institute/res/edu
- Study coordinator: Ovbiagele, Bruce
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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.