CHINA

HKU Researchers Develop Nasal Spray for Pre-Hospital Stroke Treatment

Published: May. 6, 2026 8:30 p.m. GMT+8

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The inhalable treatment delivers drugs directly to the brain through nasal pathways

Researchers at the University of Hong Kong have developed a pioneering nasal spray that delivers neuroprotective drugs directly to the brain to treat ischemic strokes before patients reach a hospital.

The nano dry-powder spray, created in collaboration with the Advanced Biomedical Instrumentation Centre (ABIC), bypasses the blood-brain barrier to rapidly minimize brain tissue death and subsequent neurological damage.

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Explore the story in 30 seconds

HKU researchers developed nano dry-powder nasal spray bypassing blood-brain barrier for ischemic strokes (84% of cases).
In animal models, <30-min administration reduced brain necrosis >80%, protected functions, cut inflammation.
Emergency pre-hospital aid; advancing to toxicology, trials for home use like inhaler.

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