Chinese clinical scientist Wang Yongjun made history this week by becoming the first Asian recipient of the William M. Feinberg Award for Excellence in Clinical Stroke at the 2025 International Stroke Conference. The recognition highlights China's growing role in advancing global healthcare solutions through technological innovation.
Wang's team at Beijing Tiantan Hospital revolutionized stroke treatment by using AI and imaging to extend the critical treatment window for ischemic stroke patients from 4.5 hours to 24 hours. This breakthrough could benefit 90% of acute stroke patients worldwide while reducing disability rates by 8.8%, according to their clinical trials.
\"Our work proves that international collaboration drives medical progress,\" Wang told attendees, referencing the 2,400-hospital research network contributing to his team's 30-year effort. Their aspirin-clopidogrel combination therapy has already cut global stroke recurrence rates by nearly half since implementation.
With 50 national clinical studies completed in the past decade – 14 shaping international treatment guidelines – Chinese researchers are addressing stroke's $46 billion annual global economic burden. The conference continues through Friday, featuring AI-driven rehabilitation tools and next-gen thrombolytic drug trials.
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Chinese scientist Wang Yongjun wins Feinberg Award for stroke research
cgtn.com
