Stroke

Advancing groundbreaking therapies to tackle the challenges of neurodegenerative and rare conditions.

What is a Stroke?

A stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, either due to a blocked artery (ischemic stroke) or a ruptured blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke). This disruption leads to brain cell death, resulting in physical, cognitive, and emotional impairments.

On a Deeper Level

A stroke occurs when the brain is deprived of oxygen and nutrients due to an interruption in its blood supply. The two main types of stroke are ischemic, caused by a blood clot or narrowing of arteries, and hemorrhagic, caused by bleeding in or around the brain. A third, less common type, called a transient ischemic attack (TIA), is often referred to as a “mini-stroke” and serves as a warning sign for future strokes. Strokes can cause widespread damage depending on the affected area of the brain, leading to paralysis, speech difficulties, memory loss, and emotional changes. Immediate medical attention is critical to minimize brain damage and improve recovery outcomes. Rehabilitation, including physical, occupational, and speech therapy, plays a key role in helping individuals regain independence after a stroke.

Signs & Symptoms

Recognizing the symptoms of a stroke is crucial for timely treatment. Common signs include:

Sudden numbness or weakness: Especially on one side of the body, affecting the face, arm, or leg.
Confusion: Trouble speaking or understanding speech.
Vision problems: Sudden loss or dimness of vision in one or both eyes.
Dizziness or loss of coordination: Difficulty walking or maintaining balance.
Severe headache: Often described as the worst headache of one’s life, especially with no known cause.

Remembering the acronym FAST (Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call emergency services) can save lives.

How many are affected by this condition?

Prevalence

Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, affecting nearly 800,000 people annually in the United States alone. Globally, approximately 12.2 million new strokes occur each year. Stroke disproportionately impacts older adults, but it can occur at any age, with an increasing incidence in younger populations due to risk factors like hypertension and diabetes.

Insights and Data

Stroke is the second leading cause of death globally, accounting for approximately 11% of total deaths (World Stroke Organization, 2024).
Nearly 1 in 4 adults over the age of 25 will experience a stroke in their lifetime (World Health Organization, 2024).
In the U.S., stroke-related healthcare costs exceed $50 billion annually, including medical care and lost productivity (CDC, 2024).

Our Approach

Anavex’s approach to stroke treatment focuses on the restoration of cellular homeostasis and neuroprotection. By activating SIGMAR1, our therapies aim to reduce inflammation, support neuronal survival, and enhance the brain’s natural ability to heal. This targeted approach seeks to improve both short- and long-term outcomes, helping individuals regain independence and quality of life after a stroke.

Clinical Progress

Anavex is exploring the potential of sigma-1 receptor (SIGMAR1) activation as a therapeutic strategy for stroke. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that SIGMAR1 modulation can reduce neuroinflammation, minimize cell death, and enhance neural repair after stroke. These findings provide a promising foundation for the development of treatments that not only prevent further damage but also support recovery.

PRECLINICAL

PHASE 1

PHASE 2

PHASE 3

ANAVEX® 1-41

A preclinical-stage compound for central nervous system disorders.

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