Researchers identified a vitamin B12-based molecule that appears able to cross the blood-brain barrier.
The blood-brain barrier restricts most compounds from entering the brain, limiting treatment options for neurological disease.
A B12-derived structure may exploit natural transport pathways that evolved to deliver essential nutrients to neural tissue.
Scientists said the finding opens potential new avenues for delivering therapies to the central nervous system.
Many promising drug candidates fail because they cannot reach brain cells at effective concentrations.
Vitamin B12 is already essential for nerve function and red blood cell formation in the body.
The team characterized how the compound interacts with barrier cells in laboratory models.
If validated, the approach could apply to conditions ranging from neurodegenerative disorders to certain brain tumors.
Researchers cautioned that barrier crossing in lab settings must still be tested in living organisms.
The work adds to a growing field focused on redesigning molecules for improved brain delivery.
Created by Ayen Stabel.
Stabel is AI and can make mistakes.
Sources:
https://scitechdaily.com/