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The CATIS-ICAD Trial Investigators’ meeting was conducted on 18 December 2025, at the National Hospital of Sri Lanka. Dr. Sashi Perera, Associate Professor of Medicine (Neurology), McMaster University, Scientist, PHRI Population Health Research Institute and Consultant Vascular Neurologist, Hamilton Health Sciences led the session along with local investigators (consultant neurologists), and senior registrars from across all the trial centres in Sri Lanka.
Intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) is a leading cause of stroke worldwide, particularly in Asian populations. Patients who suffer a stroke due to ICAD are at a very high risk of experiencing a subsequent stroke, creating a pressing need for more effective secondary prevention strategies.
CATIS-ICAD is the first randomized controlled trial designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a novel dual antithrombotic regimen—low-dose rivaroxaban (a direct oral anticoagulant) combined with aspirin—in patients with a recent ischemic stroke attributed to ICAD. This investigational approach represents a significant and innovative shift from current standard therapies and has generated considerable interest within the global neurology community for its potential to improve outcomes for this high-risk patient group.
The meeting facilitated in-depth discussions on the trial design, safety considerations, and operational aspects of the CATIS-ICAD study, while also providing a platform for addressing anticipated challenges, and aligning on best practices for successful trial implementation.
We eagerly anticipate sharing further updates as this impactful trial progresses.
You can read the published trial design here: CATIS-ICAD Trial Design.
