A new treatment for neurological diseases based on a combination of existing drugs

Researchers from Ben-Gurion University have developed a combination that includes two drugs that have already received FDA approval, which protects the blood-brain barrier and is designed to prevent the development of brain pathologies

Researchers at Ben-Gurion University have developed a new treatment for neurological diseases based on a combination of two drugs already approved by the FDA. The new combination protects the blood-brain barrier, thereby preventing the development of various neurological diseases caused by damage to blood vessels in the brain. The drug combination was developed by Prof. Alon Friedman and his research group, at the Faculty of Health Sciences at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev.

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) ​​is a unique interface that separates the blood circulation from the extracellular fluid in the central nervous system and allows only selected molecules to penetrate from the blood into the brain tissue. Damage to the BBB is an important factor in the damage caused to the brain cells in neurological diseases, including stroke, neurodegenerative diseases of the nervous system, brain tumors and brain infections. Damage to the BBB allows the penetration of toxic substances that cause an inflammatory reaction and significant damage to the brain. Because of this, the integrity of the BBB and the ability to repair damage that compromises its integrity is essential for brain health.

Today, the ability to treat such situations is limited, and treatments often begin only after symptoms appear, when the damage to the brain is already significant. Prof. Friedman and his group discovered that treating the BBB in the early stages can protect the brain and prevent the development of diseases, which is why the new treatment focuses on early treatment and prevention. The proposed treatment consists of a combination of two drugs that have already received FDA approval, Memantine and Losartan. Preclinical studies have shown that when given together, these drugs work synergistically and protect the integrity of the BBB. Furthermore, the research group has also developed a tool for early diagnosis of damage to blood vessels in the brain that is based on BBB permeability analysis and thus enables treatment in early stages.

Dr. Ora Horowitz, senior vice president for business development, at BGN Technologies, said, "The function of the BBB and its importance in neurodegenerative diseases and aging are gaining more and more understanding, and the use of the new drug combination, developed by Prof. Friedman, is relevant to many system indications CNS, including stroke, Alzheimer's, epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, cognitive decline after surgery or radiation, age-related macular degeneration, ALS, migraines, and other conditions. Furthermore, both drugs are already approved for other indications and we are now looking for partners to continue the development of this new and promising drug combination."