NXY-059 is a novel free radical-trapping neuroprotectant that reduces infarct 
size and preserves brain function in animal models of acute ischemic stroke. It 
is the first neuroprotectant to demonstrate a reduction in global disability in 
a phase III clinical trial, as measured by the modified Rankin Scale. Any effect 
of NXY-059 on hemostasis may be important when treating stroke patients. This 
phase I randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 3-period crossover study 
compared the effect of NXY-059, desmopressin, and placebo on bleeding time, 
platelet aggregation, and adhesion in 30 healthy volunteers. NXY-059 did not 
prolong bleeding time compared with placebo: mean (SD) time for NXY-059, 369.5 
seconds (125.0 seconds) versus placebo, 369.1 seconds (136.0 seconds). There 
were no significant effects on platelet aggregation or adhesion. At a mean 
unbound plasma concentration (Cu(ss)) of 335 micromol/L, NXY-059 was well 
tolerated, with no major safety concerns identified. In conclusion, NXY-059 does 
not appear to affect primary hemostasis.