Clinicians

NIH StrokeNet (NSTN) is a National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)/ NIH initiative to conduct Phase I/II and III trials in stroke prevention, treatment and recovery.

Historically, the model for stroke clinical trials was to complete large teams of personnel and infrastructure, which were then disassembled once the trial was completed.  This led to delays in patient recruitment and additional costs when new trials were initiated, with some stroke clinical trials lasting many years longer than anticipated and costing millions of dollars more than the original estimate.

In a 2013 article in Stroke, Story Landis, Ph.D., NINDS director, and co-author Marc Fisher, M.D. write:  “Because our ultimate goal is to test and compare therapies that will have a real impact on patient health, a coordinated and long range approach to solving challenges in stroke trial research is sorely needed.”

The network concept evolved from an NINDS planning effort in which stroke experts were asked what is most needed to reduce death and disability due to stroke in the United States. They called for a nationwide stroke network that would allow for a more seamless transition between early safety and efficacy trials and Phase II and III clinical trials.

To locate a NIH StrokeNet regional coordinating center you click here or contact the National Coordinating Centers toll free number (855) 472-0072.