While clinical studies of neuroprotectant therapy are necessary to study adverse events and correct dosing regimens, animal studies can investigate the mechanism of action, efficacy and therapeutic window of these agents. A rat model of photothrombotic stroke has shown that lubeluzole, 0.31 mg/kg/h, reduces sensorimotor deficit and infarct size. Further trials in rats with middle cerebral artery occlusion have confirmed these findings, and have shown lubeluzole to be effective in severe ischaemia. Studies in delaying the administration of lubeluzole found that maximal effect was derived when this agent was given within 30 min of the onset of ischaemia. There is also evidence that lubeluzole may be effective in treating reperfusion injury, and that it may be beneficial to combine it with reperfusion therapies, such as thrombolysis.