Abstract Background and aims Therapy that sustains the viability of the ischaemic brain pending definitive reperfusion would be of clinical benefit. Dodecafluoropentane (DDFP) is a perfluorocarbon molecule that is chemically inert, has a large oxygen-carrying capacity, and a low boiling point. Following intravenous administration, increased tissue oxygen of hypoxic tissue has been shown. No safety issues were identified in a small phase 2 dose-ranging study. Methods NOVEL will investigate potential biological effects of DDFP in acute ischaemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion (LVO). Results NOVEL is a multicentre, randomised, placebo-controlled single blind trial in UK centres. Up to 172 adult patients with acute stroke and imaging confirming LVO (ICA, M1, M2 or PCA P1) and significant perfusion mismatch are randomised 1:1 to 3 intravenous injections of NanO2 (Dodecafluoropentane emulsion, DDFPe) 0.17ml/kg or saline placebo in addition to standard of care. Conclusions The primary endpoint is the volume of ischaemic tissue salvaged on follow-up MRI. Secondary endpoints include early neurological improvement, 90 day modified Rankin Scale, and safety. Conflict of interest
Muir et al. (Fri,) studied this question.