Researchers at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center are taking part in a nationwide study testing a new therapy to prevent recurrent stroke and myocardial infarction (MI) in nondiabetic patients with recent stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). This research study, called IRIS (Insulin Resistance Intervention After Stroke), is a National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health clinical trial.
According to the trial’s Web site, www.iristrial.org, potential participants for IRIS will be screened for insulin resistance by means of a blood test at over 80 research centers in the United States and Canada. Those with insulin resistance will be randomly assigned to receive the prescription diabetes drug pioglitazone or a placebo for an average duration of four years.
To be eligible, participants should be a man or woman with an ischemic-type stroke or TIA within the past six months; age 40 years or older; nondiabetic; able to communicate and participate in follow-up; insulin resistant as determined by a special blood test.
For more information, contact Kim Hitz at 717-531-3779.
Study director is Dr. Raymond Reichwein of the Department of Neurology.