Medtronic partners with local researchers in stroke trial

MedTech & Diagnostics News: Endovascular thrombectomy has been shown to be more effective in reducing disability than medical therapy alone in selected patients with ischemic stroke due to a large cerebral vessel occlusion. The Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) has joined forces with Titan Neuroscience and medtech company Medtronic to spearhead the FRONTIER AP clinical trial, marking a significant leap forward in stroke treatment.

Serving as the Academic Research Organisation (ARO) and Sponsor for the Melbourne-based trial, HMRI is set to propel the evaluation of a novel treatment called Endovascular Clot Retrieval or thrombectomy for acute ischaemic stroke. This innovative approach, which has already demonstrated its efficacy in removing clots from large vessels in stroke patients, is now advancing to its Phase 2 trial to assess applicability in medium vessels, potentially unlocking new dimensions in stroke care.

Todd Williams, HMRI’s Chief Partnership and Development Officer, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, emphasising HMRI’s commitment to delivering transformative health solutions.

“Our whole reason for existing is to transform the health and wellbeing of our communities, and this is just another way we are partnering with industry to advance health outcomes,” said Mr Williams. He highlighted the collaboration with Hunter New England Local Health District, University of Newcastle, and the Primary Health Network, reinforcing HMRI’s capability to lead world-class clinical trials.

The collaboration leverages a confidential technology from Medtronic, promising to expand horizons in stroke treatment and recovery. Titan Neuroscience Research, a leading healthcare research company based in Melbourne, is entrusted with conducting the clinical trial.

Professor Mark Parsons, a world-renowned stroke neurologist and Co-Founder of Titan, highlighted the immense potential of Australian industry and medical research partnerships in driving technology innovation in clinical trials.

“This is just the first step in what we hope will be a fruitful, long-term partnership with HMRI,” remarked Professor Parsons.

The Phase 2 trial is set to recruit 240 adult patients presenting with acute ischaemic stroke within nine hours of onset. The trial commenced in January 2024 and is expected to run for approximately five years, encompassing stroke centres nationally and internationally across Australia and the Asia Pacific.

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