Researchers from Pharmos Corp. presented findings demonstratingthe efficacy of neuroprotectant HU-211 in head trauma, as measuredwith magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans.

Head trauma was induced by lowering a weight-drop device onto theskulls of anesthetized rats and then taking MRIs (magnetic resonanceimagings). HU-211 was injected one hour after the insult, and theedema volume was monitored using MRI scans immediately and 24hours after the trauma.

The results demonstrated that treatment with HU-211 markedlyreduced the spread of edema, as exhibited by the lower edema in thebrain.

The results "provide further evidence that HU-211 may be avaluable neuroprotective agent in both head trauma and stroke-related injury," said Anat Biegon, director of pharmacology atPharmos (NASDAQ:PARS). Pharmos of New York presented the dataat the Sixth Annual International Symposium, New Frontiers in theBiochemistry and Biophysics on Diagnosis and Treatment of Stroke,Neurotrauma and other Neurological Diseases.

Pharmos plans to begin clinical trials of HU-211 in head traumapatients. To date, no drugs have been approved for treating headtrauma that efficiently reduce the spread of edema.

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