Second, it should not be forgot that several neuroprotectant have failed not because they lacked efficacy, but because they revealed unexpected side effects. Many NMDAreceptor antagonists were discarded because in clinical trials they showed psychedelic unwanted effects. Tirilazad, an antioxidant belonging to the “lazaroid” class of antioxidants, unexpectedly worsened outcome of ischemic stroke, a fact very likely explained by some unexpected toxic action(s) that offset its neuroprotective ability. So, the 21st century will hopefully favor the harmonization of basic research and of clinical neurology, two realities that were too distant from each other in the second half of the 20th century. Hopefully, preclinical scientists will learn how to.
