Neurological disorders present an increasing challenge for an ageing population. The global incidence of dementia is predicted to reach 82 million by 2030 with up to 80% of those individuals having Alzheimer’s disease (AD).
Researchers at The University of Queensland (UQ) have developed a novel ultrasound technology that can be used in conjunction with microbubbles, which they have shown effectively removes AD pathology and restores memory in animal models.
Unlike drug-based monotherapy, therapeutic ultrasound is not restricted to a single target, resulting in a unique mechanism of action. The UQ team further showed that their prototype technology is a tool for non-invasive intracerebral delivery of therapeutic antibodies. The technology has the potential to address the unmet need in neurodegenerative disease treatment, in addition to being an attractive solution for improving the delivery and effectiveness of pipeline neurological therapeutics.
Key features
- Non-invasive technology for treatment of brain diseases including Alzheimer’s disease
- Investigational Use Only clinical research platform, ready for 2022 first-in-human study
- Functional data in small and large animal models showing restoration of memory
- Transient blood-brain barrier (BBB) opening resulting in >10-fold increased uptake of therapeutic antibodies
- Improved cognitive function in healthy aged animals post-treatment without the need for BBB opening.