There have been considerable advances in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke, such as the advent of endovascular thrombectomy. Michael Tymianski, MD, PhD, FRCSC, University Health Network and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada, outlines some of the novel strategies used in stroke research, including neuroprotective agents. Prof. Tymianski highlights that with the latest advances in endovascular thrombectomy and imaging modalities, neuroprotective agents like nerinetide can help increase the proportion of patients who are functionally independent after stroke. This interview took place during the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) 2021 Annual Meeting.