Simcere Pharmaceutical's sublingual formulation of edaravone/dexborneol, marketed as Sanbexin, is preparing for an international Phase III trial after receiving approval in China for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke (AIS). This development marks a significant step forward in addressing the urgent need for effective and rapidly administrable stroke therapies.
Clinical Efficacy of Sanbexin
Clinical trial data supporting the approval demonstrated that Sanbexin sublingual significantly improved the ratio of AIS patients achieving good functional outcomes by approximately 10 percentage points on day 90. This improvement suggests a clinically meaningful benefit in reducing long-term disability following stroke.
Mechanism of Action and Rationale
Edaravone is a free radical scavenger known for its neuroprotective properties. The sublingual formulation, combined with dexborneol, aims to facilitate rapid absorption and delivery to the brain, potentially minimizing the time to treatment – a critical factor in stroke management. The rationale behind this approach is to provide a more convenient and faster route of administration compared to intravenous edaravone, which requires hospital settings and specialized personnel.
Implications for Global Stroke Treatment
The planned international Phase III trial will further evaluate the efficacy and safety of Sanbexin in a diverse patient population. If successful, this sublingual edaravone formulation could become a valuable addition to the stroke treatment armamentarium, offering a practical option for early intervention and potentially improving outcomes for stroke patients worldwide.
