A world-first Perth-developed drug is showing promising results in protecting the brain after concussion and other acute brain injuries. The neuroprotective treatment, known as ARG-007, has been designed to limit harm from head trauma, potentially reducing the devastating long-term consequences of traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Early-stage research indicates that ARG-007 not only reduces the extent of brain damage but also improves motor skills and memory function after injury. Associate Professor Francis Corrigan, a neuroscientist at the University of Adelaide, explained how the therapy works: “Because it’s a really small peptide it can sneak into the brain and that means it can act on the neurons within the brain and protect them from the damage following a head injury.”

Human trials for TBI are due to begin next year, with hospitals in Perth and across Australia set to participate. In the meantime, the drug is already undergoing testing in emergency departments nationwide for use in stroke patients, with trial results expected as soon as next month. Dr Liz Dallimore, who has been leading commercial development of the treatment, described ARG-007 as a “one shot wonder type of drug…The hope for this drug is that it will be in every single ambulance in the world”.

What is ARG-007?

ARG-007 is a cutting-edge neuroprotective drug designed to protect brain cells during acute neurological events such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, and hypoxic brain damage caused by oxygen deprivation.

Key features:

• Synthetic peptide: a lab-engineered molecule that mimics natural protective mechanisms in the brain.
• Fast-acting: reaches peak concentration in the blood within just 10 minutes — a critical advantage given that an estimated 1.9 million brain cells die every minute during a stroke.
• Extended half-life: remains active in the system for longer, potentially improving recovery outcomes.
• Dual action: provides protection both during the initial injury and after medical interventions like thrombectomy, which can sometimes cause secondary damage.

Why it matters

Traumatic brain injury and stroke are leading causes of disability and death worldwide, with limited options available to actively protect brain tissue in the crucial minutes and hours after injury. If ARG-007 continues to show strong results, it could mark the first truly practical neuroprotective treatment deployable by frontline responders. Experts believe the drug’s single-dose, rapid-delivery profile could make it suitable for use in ambulances and emergency settings globally.

Comment

Whether and when ARG-007 will be rolled out in the UK and internationally remains to be seen. But if it can be administered by first responders before patients even reach the hospital, it has the potential to be a genuine game-changer in the treatment of both stroke and traumatic brain injuries.