Research conducted in cooperation between Otago University and the University of California at Los Angeles has identified a new treatment for stroke patients.

Researchers discovered that a known drug compound has the potential to reawaken dormant brain cells after a stroke. This could be the key to `unlocking' the paralysed limbs of stroke victims. Researchers speculate that this could one day help them regain up to 50% of their movement.

The study, which was led by Dr. Andrew Clarkson, documented the effective use of this drug compound on mice that had suffered a stroke. By administering the compound several days after the stroke, the researchers were able to bring resuscitate brain neurons. Dr. Clark noted that many more neurons were being born, and were subsequently migrating to the stroke site.

The only existing drug for stroke victims has to be administered within 4 hours of the stroke, after which the risks of treatment outweigh the benefits. This treatment only restores up to 15% of motility.

This new treatment removes the time restriction, which researchers hope will increase the number of patients actually getting treated, which is now only 5%.

The compound was also approved for use in an Alzheimer's trial by the FDA in the US, as potential treatment for brain injuries.

Although human trials are at least another 12 months off, with the drug testing at least 5 years off, the study has "shown us that the proof of the principle is there", said Dr. Clarkson.