The drug trials compare the effectiveness of the drug Alteplase, used to treat stroke victims, with Tenecteplase, a clot-busting drug used to treat heart attacks.

Clinician and stroke researcher Dr Neil Spratt said the original study involved 75 people at the John Hunter Hospital.

"We think the new medication compared to the existing treatment does better at clearing blocked arteries and reducing disabilities that result from strokes," he said.

"By next week we are looking at having a half-dozen other sites across Australia, and within six to 12 months we hope to have about 50 hospitals worldwide participating in the trial."

The researchers hope to have 1024 participants within four years.

One of Dr Spratt's patients, Crystal Fitzgibbon, had a stroke five years ago at the age of 26.

Afterwards, she could not talk or move the right side of her body, and a scan showed half of her brain was without oxygen.

"I couldn't walk, couldn't talk, I couldn't even call my mum the right name," Mrs Fitzgibbon said.

After being admitted into the drug trial she was given a full dose of Tenecteplase, and the feeling in her right side started to come back.

"I was up and about the next day and I walked out of the hospital three days after I had my stroke," she said.

"I was very fortunate to be in the right place and right time to be a part of the trial."

Mrs Fitzgibbon said she was now fully recovered.

The continuation of the trial was made possible because of the National Health and Medical Research Council and The Greater Charitable Foundation.