Brain-wide genome editing via a single systemic dose of modified adeno-associated virus variants that cross the blood-brain barrier may represent a promising new approach for the development of disease-modifying treatments for familial Alzheimer's disease. This strategy could also be applicable to other central nervous system (CNS) disorders, according to a proof-of-concept (PoC) study led by researchers at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST).

LONDON – Neuvasq Biotechnologies has launched with a €20 million (US$23.7 million) series A to take forward a new approach to treating neurological disorders by reversing age- or injury-related damage to the blood-brain barrier.

While several companies are looking to help recurrent glioblastoma patients, Carthera SAS has taken a step forward by bringing its Sonocloud-9 device into a phase I/II clinical trial. Northwestern University in Chicago will collaborate with the company in the trial, which is expected to enroll up to 39 patients. The first patient already has been treated.

PARIS – Carthera SAS, of Paris, has obtained a $2.4 million grant and $12.5 million equity investment from the European Innovation Council (EIC) for the development of its ultrasound-based medical device for treating glioblastoma.

TORONTO – If Toronto’s Sunnybrook Hospital and the W. Garfield Weston Foundation get their way, a CA$33 million (US$24 million) initiative unveiled March 2 dramatically will increase patient access to made-to-measure ultrasound technology for penetrating the blood-brain barrier to treat Alzheimer's disease and brain cancer.

There is no FDA-approved medication for Alzheimer’s disease. But there is some hope that if the blood-brain barrier could be more easily penetrated by drug candidates they would prove more effective. That is the line of research being pursued by Israeli company Insightec Ltd. via its Exablate Neuro that provides low-intensity focused ultrasound treatment.