Nanocarriers breach blood-brain barrier to deliver anti-inflammatory medicine

Oregon State University researchers have discovered a way to get anti-inflammatory medicine across the blood-brain barrier, opening the door to potential new therapies for a range of conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease and cancer cachexia.

The delivery method involves specially engineered nanoparticles, tiny bits of matter no larger than 100 billionths of a meter.

Tested in a mouse model, the dual peptide-functionalized polymeric nanocarriers reached their intended destination, the hypothalamus, and delivered a drug that inhibits a key protein associated with inflammation.

"Our work presents a significant breakthrough," said Oleh Taratula, professor in the OSU College of Pharmacy.

The scientists observed substantial reductions in key inflammatory markers in the hypothalamus, and the nanocarriers led to a 94% increase in food intake and significantly preserved body weight and muscle mass. And the implications extend far beyond cancer cachexia, Taratula added.

Image source: Tetiana Korzun.