Caltech scientists found a surprising way to get medicines into the brain; what they discovered and how it works

Caltech researchers have developed BrainCAB, a small-molecule delivery system designed to help medicines cross the blood-brain barrier. The technology modifies brinzolamide, a glaucoma drug, to bind to a receptor on brain blood vessels and transport therapeutic cargo into the brain. Tested in rodents and nonhuman primates, BrainCAB increased delivery of an antibody-based cancer treatment. The preclinical platform could potentially support delivery of antibodies, proteins and RNA medicines, though human trials are still required.