The brain is an extraordinary and sensitive organ. Therefore the brain is protected from harmful compounds in the circulation by specialized brain endothelial cells; that form the blood brain barrier (BBB). The brain endothelium is not only essential to protect the brain but also to actively support the brain by providing essential building blocks.
A number of events (e.g. inflammation or reduced perfusion) negatively influence brain endothelial function. Brendinn Therapeutics has discovered that reduced levels of short non-coding RNA molecules (microRNAs) mediate these effects and that restoring microRNA expression levels in dysfunctional brain endothelial cells is beneficial in experimental models.
Brendinn Therapeutics is run by a small but dedicated team with background in neuroscience, molecular biology and product- and business development. The company was founded in 2015.
Brendinn Therapeutics is focused on developing solutions for neurological disorders in which blood-brain barrier dysfunction plays a role. Our focus is on progressive multiple sclerosis. Other indications for future research are vascular dementia, stroke, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson’s disease and amyothrophic lateral sclerosis.
Will studying the blood-brain barrier provide new insights into neurodegeneration? Brendinn thinks it will but it is a matter of controversy. Or not?