Using a specific blood marker to guide stroke prevention treatment

MidregiOnal Proatrial Natriuretic Peptide to Guide SEcondary Stroke Prevention: The MOSES-study. An International, Multicentre, Randomised-controlled, Two-arm, Assessor-blinded Trial

Phase 3 Interventional University of Zurich · NCT03961334

This study tests if stroke patients with a certain blood marker do better with a new blood thinner compared to the usual treatment to prevent another stroke.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment620 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Zurich Academic / other
Locations14 sites (Athens and 13 other locations)
Trial IDNCT03961334 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This trial investigates whether ischemic stroke patients, identified by elevated levels of MRproANP, benefit from direct oral anticoagulation (DOAC) compared to standard antiplatelet therapy. Patients without known atrial fibrillation will be randomly assigned to receive either DOACs or standard care within 7 days of symptom onset. The study will follow participants for one year to assess outcomes related to secondary stroke prevention.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who have experienced an ischemic stroke and have MRproANP levels of 200pmol/L or higher.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of atrial fibrillation or those requiring anticoagulant therapy for other conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to more effective prevention of secondary strokes in a specific subgroup of patients.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of DOACs for stroke prevention is established, this specific approach targeting a distinct patient subgroup is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Clinical diagnosis of ischemic stroke
* level ≥200pmol/L within 72 hours from symptom onset
* Age ≥ 18 years
* Signed informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of AF, AF on 12-lead ECG on admission or any AF ≥30 seconds during heart-rhythm monitoring prior to randomization
* Other condition that require anticoagulant therapy (e.g., venous thromboembolism) as per Investigator's judgment including therapeutical dose of low-molecular-weight heparin or heparin
* Strong likelihood to be treated with prolonged (i.e. more than 30 days) dual antiplatelet therapy during the course of the trial (such as coronary stenting, etc.)
* Patients undergoing planned procedures where therapy with a DOAC is a contraindication (e.g. surgery)
* Previous intracranial hemorrhage in the last year
* Evidence of severe cerebral amyloid angiopathy if MRI scan performed
* Chronic kidney disease with creatinin clearance \<30ml/min and or subject who requires haemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis
* Known bleeding diathesis (e.g. active peptic ulcer disease , platelet count \< 100'000/mm3 or haemoglobin \< 9 g/dl or INR ≥ 1.7, documented haemorrhagic tendencies or blood dyscrasias)
* Active infective endocarditis
* CT or MRI evidence of cerebral vasculitis
* Known allergy or intolerance to antiplatelets or DOACs
* Female who is pregnant or lactating or has a positive pregnancy test at time of admission
* Current participation in another drug trial

Where this trial is running

Athens and 13 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Stroke, Ischemic
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.