snake venom extract to fight strokes? Would you take this treatment?

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An experimental drug derived from the venom of the feared Malayan pit viper shows promise for the treatment of stroke, an analysis of six studies involving over 4,000 stroke victims suggests. The drug, known as Viprinex, may double the time window during which victims can be treated following the onset of symptoms, researchers say. The drug, also known by the generic name ancrod, is designed to help people who suffer an acute ischemic stroke, the most common type. It occurs when blood flow to an area of the brain is compromised by a blood clot. This leads to the death of brain cells and brain damage. Currently, the clot-buster t-PA can be used for ischemic stroke, but time is of the essence: It has to be administered in the first three hours after symptoms strike.