Intranasal administration of drugs to the central nervous system
Neurological disorders, including multiple sclerosis, affect millions of people across Europe and pose a growing burden on healthcare systems. One of the major obstacles to treating these conditions is the blood-brain barrier, a highly selective membrane that protects the brain but also blocks the passage of many drugs. Traditional drug delivery methods often struggle to transport therapeutic agents into the central nervous system (CNS) at effective concentrations. As a result, there is a pressing need for innovative delivery strategies that can safely and efficiently bypass this barrier to improve patient care.
Bio-based innovations for drug delivery to the CNS
Undertaken with the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions(opens in new window) programme, the Bio2Brain(opens in new window) project has opened up new frontiers in this field by advancing intranasal delivery of biopharmaceuticals directly to the CNS. This innovative training network united 17 academic and industrial partners across Europe to develop sustainable, bio-based drug delivery systems and to train the next generation of interdisciplinary researchers. At the heart of Bio2Brain’s success is the development of a novel nose-to-brain strategy(opens in new window). This approach utilises biocompatible hydrogels, nanogels, and drug-loaded functional particles designed specifically to transport therapeutic molecules from the nasal cavity directly to the brain. “Our goal was to rethink the way we approach CNS drug delivery. With the Nose-to-Brain (N2B) platform, we are exploring non-invasive treatments that may enhance the quality of life for patients with neurological diseases,” explains project coordinator Carmen Gruber-Traub. The team also investigated how monoclonal antibodies interact with the nasal mucosa and how they can be engineered for more effective and safer transport into the CNS. Alongside advanced numerical simulations and modelling, these insights helped optimise drug behaviour at the mucosal interface.
Training the scientists of tomorrow
An important pillar of the Bio2Brain project was its investment in the training of early-stage researchers (ESRs). The consortium designed an interdisciplinary training curriculum that combined academic research with real-world industry experience. Each ESR completed secondments with industrial partners, gaining firsthand exposure to translational research and the challenges of moving from lab bench to bedside. “Our training programme went beyond conventional academic preparation, with ESRs gaining valuable industry experience, guiding them for future medical innovations,” highlights Gruber-Traub.
A better future for patients
By improving the efficiency and safety of intranasal biopharmaceutical delivery, Bio2Brain could transform how neurological diseases are treated. This approach may improve drug targeting, cause fewer side effects and ultimately lead to better patient outcomes. Nonetheless, clinical translation remains a complex, multi-step process involving preclinical studies, clinical trials and regulatory approvals. Most academic and industrial partners will pursue follow-up projects aimed at bringing Bio2Brain’s innovations to the clinic. The trained ESRs are expected to play an integral role in these future developments, contributing their knowledge to clinical trials and product development. According to Gruber-Traub: “The true legacy of Bio2Brain will be seen in the years ahead. We’ve built a platform, trained a team, and laid the scientific groundwork. Now, the next chapter begins with bringing these technologies to the patients who need them most.”
Keywords
Bio2Brain, neurological disease, CNS, drug delivery, hydrogel, monoclonal antibodies
