How aging affects drug transport in the brain's protective barriers
Drug Transport Mechanisms at the Blood-CSF Barrier and Effect of Aging
This study is looking at how getting older affects the way medicines can reach the brain, which is important for treating conditions like Alzheimer's, and it aims to find better ways to deliver these treatments to older patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10492591 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how aging impacts the mechanisms that allow drugs to cross the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier, which is crucial for treating neurological diseases like Alzheimer's. The study uses advanced imaging techniques on isolated brain tissue to observe how certain substances are transported across this barrier. By understanding these processes, researchers aim to identify ways to improve drug delivery to the brain, especially for older patients who may have different transport mechanisms. The findings could lead to better treatment options for age-related brain disorders.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include older adults, particularly those experiencing cognitive decline or diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
Not a fit: Patients with neurological disorders unrelated to aging or those who are not experiencing cognitive decline may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance the effectiveness of drugs for treating Alzheimer's and other age-related neurological diseases.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding drug transport mechanisms in the brain, indicating that this approach could lead to significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- University of Washington — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Joanne — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Wang, Joanne
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.