Unleashing the Brain's Self-Repair Ability! Transforming the Recovery Phase of Stroke and Traumatic Brain Injury with Medication

The New York Times, in its September 4, 2025 edition, featured an article on efforts to "enhance recovery with medication" following strokes and traumatic brain injuries (TBI). At the center of the discussion is the concept of "molecular rehabilitation," which aims to replicate the effects of physical therapy at the molecular level. A study from UCLA reported promising results in mice for a candidate drug, DDL-920, which repairs disruptions in brain networks and promotes motor function recovery. Currently, there are no approved drugs that directly enhance functional recovery in humans, and drug therapy is expected to serve as a "supportive partner" rather than replace rehabilitation. However, many unresolved issues remain, such as the safety and efficacy of human trials, the timing of administration, the scope of applicability, and cost-effectiveness. On social media, there is a mix of excitement, with some calling it "revolutionary," and caution, with others questioning its applicability in humans and its effectiveness in chronic stages. In conclusion, while molecular rehabilitation holds the potential to redefine clinical norms, the real test lies in the rigorous clinical trials ahead.