Researchers in Singapore Pave the Way for Direct Brain Drug Delivery
February 18, 2025 | Tuesday | News
Promises New Treatments for Neurological Disorders by Bypassing the Blood-Brain Barrier
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In a groundbreaking scientific advancement, researchers at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS Medicine) have developed a revolutionary technique to deliver therapeutic compounds directly to the brain. This method, designed to bypass the formidable blood-brain barrier (BBB), holds significant promise for the treatment of various neurological disorders.
The Role of the Blood-Brain Barrier
The blood-brain barrier is a vital defense mechanism that shields the brain from harmful substances while also preventing the entry of therapeutic drugs. Existing drug delivery methods often encounter difficulties in overcoming this barrier, often leading to limited treatment efficacy or necessitating invasive procedures.
Natural Solution: Engineered Bacteria
The innovative technique exploited by the Singaporean researchers leverages a naturally occurring nasal bacterium, Lactobacillus plantarum (Lp), which was genetically modified to synthesize and release therapeutic compounds. This approach harnesses the unique properties of nasal bacteria, which have a natural affinity for the olfactory mucosa, a specialized tissue at the upper part of the nasal cavity responsible for the sense of smell.
The olfactory mucosa is particularly noteworthy as it provides a direct anatomical pathway to the central nervous system. By utilizing this natural route, researchers can deliver treatments to the brain with enhanced precision and effectiveness, bypassing the need to penetrate the blood-brain barrier.
Potential Applications
The next steps in this research project involve refining dosing protocols and conducting human clinical trials to verify the safety and efficacy of the technique. Scientists are also exploring potential applications for treating a range of neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
These investigations could pave the way for less invasive and more targeted therapeutic interventions, potentially improving outcomes for patients suffering from these debilitating conditions.
Expert Opinion
“Our research highlights the potential of nasal bacteria as non-invasive vehicles for brain drug delivery, and it also underscores the importance of further exploring the relationship between the olfactory microbiome and brain health,” stated Professor Matthew Chang, Director of the Synthetic Biology Translational Research Programme at NUS Medicine and SynCTI.
By leveraging bacteria with natural affinities for key areas in the nasal cavity, researchers may uncover new strategies for addressing neurological disorders, offering hope to millions affected by these conditions.
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