Chinese clinical scientist Wang Yongjun has made history by becoming the first Asian recipient of the prestigious William M. Feinberg Award for Excellence in Clinical Stroke. The award was presented at the 2025 International Stroke Conference (ISC) in Los Angeles on Wednesday, recognizing his significant contributions to stroke research and treatment.
Wang, the president of Beijing Tiantan Hospital and the Chinese Stroke Association, has dedicated over 30 years to advancing stroke clinical research. His team has produced 12 key findings that have transformed clinical guidelines and practices in stroke treatment worldwide.
One of Wang’s most notable achievements is expanding the intravenous thrombolysis time window for acute ischemic stroke patients from 4.5 hours to 24 hours. By utilizing advanced imaging and artificial intelligence technologies, this breakthrough means that up to 90% of acute ischemic stroke patients now have the opportunity to receive thrombolytic therapy. This advancement has reduced the patient disability rate by 8.8% without increasing the risk of intracranial hemorrhage.
Additionally, Wang’s team developed a treatment combining aspirin and clopidogrel, effectively reducing global stroke recurrence rates from 11% to 6%. This approach has benefited nearly one million stroke patients in China alone.
Speaking about his accomplishments, Wang emphasized the importance of collaboration. "It is very fortunate that our team has been a major force in providing evidence of intravenous thrombolytic therapy for ischemic stroke," he said. He highlighted that over 2,400 hospitals across China are part of their clinical research network, underscoring the collective effort behind these advancements.
China faces a significant burden of stroke, and Wang’s groundbreaking research offers hope in overcoming global challenges in stroke prevention and treatment. Over the past decade, medical scientists from Beijing Tiantan Hospital have completed over 50 national clinical studies, providing innovative solutions for international stroke care.
The Feinberg Award, established by the American Stroke Association, honors the late William M. Feinberg, a renowned stroke clinician and researcher who made substantial contributions to understanding the causes of stroke. The three-day ISC event, attended by approximately 4,000 professionals, showcases the latest advances in stroke prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation worldwide.
