11/03/2025
ALERT: The Florey’s PESTO (etanercept) study shares important results.
The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health has released landmark findings from the PESTO trial, a world-first study testing whether an arthritis drug, etanercept, could help people recover after stroke.
The treatment, often promoted overseas as a “miracle cure,” involves injecting the drug into the spinal area and tilting patients head-down. But results show it’s no more effective than a placebo (a dummy drug).
Led by neurologist Professor Vincent Thijs; and supported by the Stroke Foundation and Medical Research Future Fund, the trial highlights how crucial it is to put new treatments to the test using the gold standard of clinical research.
We know that some people in our community were hopeful and even took part in this study. If you have any questions about the findings, please reach out to StrokeLine on 1800 787 653 - our health professionals are here to listen and help.
Every study like this brings us closer to real breakthroughs, guided by science, compassion, and the voices of those living with stroke.
For more: https://florey.edu.au/news/2025/09/the-floreys-landmark-pesto-study-finds-arthritis-drug-of-no-benefit-to-stroke-trial-participants/
