In a major advance for the treatment of Alzheimer’s, QIMR Berghofer scientists and collaborators have overcome a significant obstacle by successfully delivering drugs through patient cell models of the human blood-brain barrier.
The blood-brain barrier is a protective wall of cells that prevents pathogens and toxins from entering the brain via the blood, but it also blocks 98% of disease-fighting drugs.
By applying focused ultrasound and microbubble technology to the models grown from stem cells derived from the skin cells of Alzheimer’s patients, the team demonstrated how two promising drugs may be delivered through the barrier and into the brain safely and effectively.
Co-author and the head of QIMR Berghofer’s Cellular & Molecular Neurodegeneration Laboratory Associate Professor Anthony White, co-author QIMR Berghofer PhD candidate Joanna Wasielewska, and stem cell researcher Dr Lotta Oikari hold high hopes for the potential of this research for the future of tailored treatments for individuals with Alzheimer's.
