Nasal Spray Shows Potential in Treating Traumatic Brain Injury

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): A nasal spray under development to target brain inflammation has shown promise in treating traumatic brain injury (TBI), a major cause of death and disability, according to a study. The research, led by scientists from Mass General Brigham in the US, demonstrated that the spray helped reduce damage to the central nervous system and improved behavioral outcomes in mice models of moderate-to-severe TBI. These findings suggest the nasal spray could offer a potential new treatment for TBI and other acute brain injuries.

The study focused on Foralumab, a monoclonal antibody developed by the UK-based company Tiziana, which has previously been tested in clinical trials for diseases like multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer’s. The research team examined how the nasal spray, when administered, interacts with regulatory cells in the brain and microglial immune cells. This led to improved neurological outcomes, including reduced anxiety, cognitive decline, and improved motor skills.

Lead author Dr. Saef Izzy, neurologist and head of the Immunology of Brain Injury Programme at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH), highlighted that chronic inflammation is one of the primary causes of cognitive decline in TBI patients. "Currently, there is no treatment to prevent the long-term effects of traumatic brain injury," he said. The team’s findings, published in *Nature Neuroscience*, also suggest that Foralumab could be effective in treating brain injuries caused by strokes and intracerebral hemorrhage. Dr. Izzy expressed excitement about the potential of the nasal spray as an effective therapeutic solution. "This is a very promising and exciting time to move forward with something that’s backed up with solid science and get it to patients’ bedsides," he said. The next step in the research will focus on translating these promising preclinical results into human clinical trials.