WHAT'S INVOLVED

A safer future for sport

Your club is participating in a concussion study during the 2026 season.

This clinical trial is designed to assess the safety and effectiveness of a new medication developed to help protect brain cells and reduce potential damage following concussion.

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You are invited to participate.

Player Sign up

What's Involved?

If you choose to enrol, the process is as follows:
1. Game day head knock

If you have a head knock, you will be assessed by your trainer at the ground.

If your Club Trainer suspects a concussion has occurred on game day, transfer to Sportsmed will be coordinated.

At Sportsmed, you will have a full medical assessment (SCAT 6) by a qualified Sports Physician.

If concussed you automatically enter the League’s mandatory minimum 21 day concussion recovery protocol and will be invited to participate in the study.

If you are concussed, you can choose to participate in the Clinical Trial.

You will be then be transferred to The Royal Adelaide Hospital.

At the RAH, a medical doctor will explain the study, determine your eligibility, and answer any questions you may have before obtaining your final consent to participate.

Once enrolled, you will be admitted for overnight monitoring. You will have access to shower facilities, clean clothing, a meal, and a comfortable environment to rest.
During your stay, several routine tests will be conducted—including cognitive assessments, blood tests, and monitoring of vital signs. The study medication will be administered by intravenous infusion while you sleep.
You will be discharged the following morning.
To support your recovery and the trial process, you will be required to attend a 20-minute followup visit at The RAH the next Monday, and again each Friday for the subsequent three weeks.
In recognition of your time and commitment, a remuneration of $1,500 will be provided upon successful completion of the study.
A member of the Spark Concussion Care Team will remain in regular contact to support your recovery throughout the minimum 21-day rehabilitation period.
For FAQs and Regulatory Approval information on the Clinical Trial, download the full PDF.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can you tell me about the medication?
AST-004 is a drug that has been in development for 10 years, designed to protect brain cells after injury. It has obtained all regulatory approvals for use in Clinical Trials in Australia, and has been successfully trialled in two European studies.
No. All medical costs, including the assessment at sportsmed, are absorbed by the study.
Yes, simply request an appointment.

After the initial concussion assessment, it is your choice as to which medical practitioner you consult with. You are however, required to attend the weekly follow up visits with the medical team at the royal Adelaide hospital.

Concussion recovery varies from person to person with symptoms often fluctuating over The days and weeks following the incident. Feeling okay in the immediate hours after the injury is not a reliable guide as to the full extent of the injury. A cautious approach to Concussion recovery is essential.

REGULATORY APPROVAL

AST-004 has received full regulatory approval for clinical trial use in Australia. This includes:

  • Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
  • Independent Human Research Ethics Committee approval
  • World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)
  • Sport Integrity Australia

The medication has also been successfully tested in previous studies conducted in Europe and in Adelaide, South Australia in 2025.

This trial has been approved by the Central Adelaide Local Health Network Human Ethics Committee.

For FAQs and Regulatory Approval information on the Clinical Trial, download the full PDF.
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