London, Nov 26: Researchers have discovered a new drug that can potentially reduce the number of brain cells destroyed by stroke as well as help in repairing the damage done.

 
 A stroke is usually caused by reduction of blood flow to the brain and can result to either disability or in more serious cases even death. 
 
Scientists at the University of Manchester, UK,researched an anti inflammatory drug and the results indicated that not only can it limit the death of existing brain cells but also promote the birth of new neurons.These new cells are thought to help restore function to areas of the brain damaged by the stroke.
 
Previous studies showed the treatment with IL-1Ra does indeed help rodents regain motor skills that were initially lost after a stroke. Early stage clinical trials in human stroke patients also suggest that IL-1Ra could be beneficial.
 
"The results lend further strong support to the use of IL-1Ra in the treatment of stroke; however large trials are necessary," said Stuart Allan, Professor at the University of Manchester.The drug is already licensed for use in humans for some conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis.
 
Several early stage of clinical trials in stroke with IL-1Ra have already been completed in Manchester, though it is not yet licensed for this condition, the researchers noted, in the paper published in the journal Brain, Behaviour and Immunity.