Pioneering a Revolutionary Approach to the Treatment of
Alzheimer's Disease
HealthSpan Research is pioneering a revolutionary approach to Alzheimer's Disease (AD) treatment by targeting blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction as a key pathological factor rather than focusing solely on the traditional amyloid-beta hypothesis.
We are developing small extracellular vesicles (exosomes) as a therapeutic modality, utilizing naturally occurring nanoparticles isolated from plasma of young, healthy donors aged 18-25 years.
The scientific rationale centers on compelling evidence that BBB integrity is crucial for brain homeostasis, controlling nutrient transport and toxin clearance. BBB breakdown occurs early in Alzheimer's disease progression, often preceding classical amyloid-beta accumulation and cognitive decline.
Our approach leverages the natural ability of exosomes to cross the BBB and deliver therapeutic cargo directly to affected brain regions, offering a targeted solution to this critical challenge.
Young donor-derived exosomes contain beneficial microRNAs, proteins, and lipids that can restore age-damaged cellular pathways. Our research demonstrates that these exosomes can:
• Restore endothelial barrier integrity through regeneration of tight junction proteins
• Reduce neuroinflammation by modulating microglial activation
• Enhance mitochondrial function and cellular energy metabolism
• Promote neuronal survival and synaptic plasticity