Magnetic drugs offer radical blood-clot treatment

CLOT-BUSTING drugs that can be controlled using magnets could revolutionise treatments for stroke and heart attack patients.

The drugs are contained in tiny spheres of magnetic material, which allow them to be directed to the site of blockages in blood vessels.

Early tests have also shown that the drugs can last longer in the body than conventional treatments, helping to prevent clots from returning.

Researchers who have developed the treatment say pre-clinical trails are suggesting they could be far more effective than current treatments used to dissolve blood clots, but warn they still need to undergo full clinical trials.

In strokes, rapidly clearing blockages in blood vessels can drastically reduce damage to the brain and improve recovery chances.

The scientists say the “nanospheres” can be given as an injection into the blood stream and then directed to the site of a clot using magnets. This ensures more of the drug is delivered to the clot to dissolve it faster. The biodegradable magnets then break down in the body.

Anna Fakhardo, a biochemist at ITMO University in Saint Petersburg, said: “The nanosphere also helps to protect the thrombolytic enzyme it contains from being degraded by the body too quickly. This means it can last for longer and is more effective. We have found it can keep the drug active for at least a month.”

Strokes are one of the leading causes of death and disability in the UK with around 100,000 people becoming victims each year.

They are responsible for 6.7 million deaths worldwide annually. Blood clots are also the leading cause of heart attacks.