Researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai have developed a lipid nanoparticle system that can deliver messenger RNA (mRNA) to the brain via intravenous injection, bypassing the blood-brain barrier. This breakthrough technology has the potential to treat conditions such as drug addiction, brain cancer, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Alzheimer’s disease.
The study uses specifically designed lipid nanoparticles to transport mRNA across the blood-brain barrier, a major challenge in treating brain diseases. The researchers’ approach utilizes the blood-brain barrier’s endogenous transport mechanisms to facilitate nanoparticle transfer.
The results show that this system can safely and efficiently deliver mRNA into the brain, opening up opportunities for mRNA-based therapies for various neurological and psychiatric disorders. Further studies are necessary to evaluate long-term safety and efficacy, but the findings highlight the potential of lipid nanoparticles in overcoming one of the major challenges in treating brain diseases.
Lead researcher Yizhou Dong notes that this technology represents an important step towards developing mRNA-based treatments for central nervous system disorders. The study provides proof of concept that such an approach is viable and could be adapted for a range of diseases where gene therapy or mRNA therapeutics might play a role.
Source: https://www.azonano.com/news.aspx?newsID=41275