VCID: Conduct clinical research informed by basic research findings (Milestone 4.U)

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Success Criteria

• At least one new VCID clinical project or trial informed by basic VCID science research outcomes (e.g. biomarkers that emerge from basic studies) and basic mechanisms.

Summary of Key Accomplishments

A strong body of evidence suggests that individuals who have vascular brain damage (e.g., white matter damage) as well as individuals who have had a stroke are at increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia. In addition, building on a rich body of basic research on blood clotting mechanisms and proteins, researchers developed a drug that protects rat and mouse brains from brain bleeds during ischemic stroke as well as later white matter damage. The drug, known as “3K3A-APC”, was recently shown in an NINDS-supported Phase 2 clinical trial (RHAPSODY) to be safe in humans and protect from brain bleeds due to ischemic stroke. The drug manufacturer is planning to launch a Phase 3 trial shortly focused on ischemic stroke treatment. Future findings from controlled clinical trials on 3K3A-APC could include data on cognitive and dementia-related outcomes, illustrating a promising basic science to bedside story of a potential treatment of human brain vascular disease.

The key accomplishments summary is current as of July 2022.

Accomplishments/Implementation Activities

Funding Initiatives

• RFA-NS-19-012: Post-Stroke Vascular Contributions to Cognitive Impairment and Dementia (VCID) in the United States Including in Health Disparities Populations (U19)
• RFA-NS-20-012: Clinical Trials Planning for Symptomatic Vascular Contributions to Cognitive Impairment and Dementia (VCID)

Research Programs and Resources

• Post-Stroke Vascular Contributions to Cognitive Impairment and Dementia (VCID) in the United States Including in Health Disparities Populations (U19)

Relevant Recommendations

• 2019 ADRD Summit: Vascular Contributions to Cognitive Impairment and Dementia (VCID), Focus Area 3: Translational Studies, Milestone 8
• 2022 ADRD Summit: Vascular Contributions to Cognitive Impairment and Dementia (VCID) Milestone 7, Priority 2

Related Milestones