An arthritis drug has entered the second phase of clinical trials at Griffith University for use in treating stroke patients.
The world-first clinical trial is testing the effectiveness of the drug, perispinal etanercept when administered above the spine.
"You see patients crying because they're incredulous, they're spellbound, they think we're doing magic. It's not magic. It's science and research," said Associate Professor Stephen Ralph.
“These are patients who, after their stroke, have been down the road of rehabilitation, don't show any real treatment improvement from that, so they get despondent."
Further trials are needed before the treatment is considered by the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration.