Novel therapeutic delivery for neurodegenerative diseases: Strategies to overcome CNS barriers

Alzheimer's disease

AD is a common neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the development of plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, which consist of β-amyloid and tau proteins, respectively. Age is the biggest risk factor for this dementia . AD affects 10% of adults over 65, and it is anticipated that by 2050, there will be three times as many AD sufferers in the US. Presently, all available therapies focus on symptom management rather than modifying the underlying disease process.^[6]

The current FDA-approved medications for AD include acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and the NMDA receptor antagonist meantime. Although off-label use of antipsychotics has been explored, their efficacy in AD treatment has been called into question. Investigational approaches involve investigating the potential benefits of curcumin, an anti-inflammatory compound found in Indian curry spice, and omega-3 fatty acids in reducing amyloid plaque burden. Ongoing research is focused on the development of novel therapeutic agents for AD. Some candidates aim to manage symptoms, while others directly target disease progression.^[7] The recombinant DNA drug etanercept has shown promise in preventing the tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF), pro-inflammatory cytokine from reaching the AD-associated increased levels. NGF gene therapy has been investigated in clinical trials to prevent cholinergic neuron degeneration, leading to cognitive improvement in some patients Monoclonal antibody bapineuzumab is being developed to bind and clear β-amyloid plaques from the CNS.^[8] Despite the extensive efforts in AD treatment, no therapies have successfully halted disease progression. Therefore, a combination of treatment approaches targeting both symptoms and disease modification may be necessary for effective therapy. This comprehensive approach may involve the simultaneous use of multiple treatment options to achieve optimal outcomes in AD patients.

Parkinson’s disease

The dopaminergic degeneration in the substantia nigra accompanied by the misfolding of α-synuclein in dopaminergic neurons is feature of PD.^[9] PD is a movement disorder that includes symptoms such as tremors, bradykinesia, and akinesia.^[10] Currently, there is no proper management options for PD, and available strategies provides symptomatic relief rather than slowing disease progression. Treatment options for PD include levodopa, dopamine agonists, COMT-inhibitors, anti-cholinergics, MAO inhibitors, and amantadine.^[11] Growth factors have demonstrated potential in neuroprotection for PD, including BDNF and glial cell-derived growth factor. A new generation of nucleic acid constructions has also appeared, capable of silencing α-synuclein, a protein associated with PD. RNA interference (RNAi) has been explored as a potential treatment strategy, demonstrating success in animal models. To effectively deliver these novel therapeutics, advanced delivery methods are required to facilitate their entry into the CNS. Approaches such as intranasal administration and the use of nanocarrier devices offer protection against degradation and clearance, while also enhancing the enrty of macromolecules across the BBB. These delivery strategies hold promise for enabling the therapeutic effects of these agents in the treatment of PD.^[12]

Huntington’s disease

Huntingtin protein in neurons, resulting in impaired neuronal function and eventual cell death. The hallmark symptom of HD is chorea, abnormal involuntary movements experienced by patients. HD is the result of an autosomal dominant mutation and currently lacks a cure. The existing treatments mainly aim to manage the symptoms rather than targeting the fundamental disease process.^[13] Depression, psychosis, and epilepsy are commonly observed neurological problems in HD patients, which are treated with neuroleptics and anticonvulsants.^[14] Additionally, Parkinsonism symptoms can be present in HD patients, and levodopa is often used for their treatment. Despite the fact that there is not yet a medication that can be used to specifically target the mutant huntingtin protein, there are ongoing efforts to develop disease-modifying therapies. Recombinant adeno-associated viruses have been utilized to deliver RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutics, resulting in reduced pathology in preclinical models of HD. Another approach involves neural implantation of cells that secrete ciliary neurotrophic factor, which has shown promise in improving HD symptoms. The development of new therapeutics for HD must focus on protecting the deteriorating nervous system. Neuroprotective and disease-modifying treatments offer promising avenues for intervention in HD. One potential strategy involves the use of novel delivery methods, such as small interfering RNA (siRNA), to specifically target and eliminate the mutant huntingtin protein in the CNS, thereby halting the progression of the disease.^[15] Advanced delivery techniques can enhance the effectiveness and specificity of these therapeutic interventions, offering hope for the future treatment of HD.

Blood CSF barrier

Likewise, the BBB, the blood-CSF barrier blocks the passage of substances into the central nervous system. It serves as a picky filter, letting only specific chemicals enter the cerebrospinal fluid.^[20] Tight connections between choroid plexus epithelial cells provide the barrier. The capillaries that supply the choroid plexus feature fenestrae rather than tight junctions, in contrast to the BBB.^[21] Drugs can readily flow via these fenestrae, yet the tight connections still prohibit them from entering the CSF. However, the blood-CSF barrier is less relevant in terms of drug delivery compared to the BBB, as it has 1,000 times less surface area.^[22]

Systemic distribution and clearance

Systemic distribution and clearance of drugs in peripheral tissues also pose a barrier to CNS delivery that is often overlooked. When lipophilic compounds are used to increase CNS permeability, they more easily penetrate other tissues in the body upon administration into the systemic circulation. This results in the need for higher doses to achieve therapeutic levels in the brain, leading to non-specific systemic effects and increased toxicity. Moreover, high plasma protein binding affinity further complicates CNS drug delivery, as less free drug is available to diffuse into the CNS. However, novel drug delivery systems that encapsulate therapeutic agents in carriers can help address these issues by altering the release and pharmacokinetic profiles of the drugs.^[23], ^[24]

Intracranial delivery

Intracranial delivery is an invasive approach that involves direct administration of the drug into the brain parenchyma through intracerebral infusions or implants. This method allows for localized delivery to the targeted site, but diffusion to other areas of the brain is limited. Intracranial delivery has shown positive outcomes for specific targets, such as local tumor delivery or direct treatment of failing neurons in PD.^[25] For example, neural implants releasing GDNF have improved movement disorders in aged rats. Direct striatal injections of GDNF have also prevented neurodegeneration in PD models. However, intracranial delivery is not suitable for broad distribution of therapeutic agents across neural tissue, as desired for the treatment of conditions like AD or HD.^[26] Additionally, the invasive nature of this approach carries risks and variability in drug administration. Clinical trials of intracranial delivery have been conducted, including the use of recombinant methionyl human GDNF in PD patients.^[27] However, unexpected adverse effects were observed, such as catheter repositioning, removal, and even a hemorrhagic stroke. This led to the discontinuation of the trial. Intracranial implants, such as genetically engineered cells encapsulated in a polymer matrix, have also been used in HD patients but did not demonstrate significant clinical benefits, possibly due to variable drug release.^[28]

Non-invasive approaches include systemic administration, which involves delivering drugs through the bloodstream, and local administration, which targets specific regions of the CNS. Systemic distribution poses challenges such as dilution effects and limited CNS penetration due to the BBB. Strategies to enhance systemic CNS delivery include increasing lipophilicity of drug molecules, utilizing prodrugs, or employing carrier systems like nanoparticles or liposomes to improve drug stability and transport across the BBB.^[29] Local administration methods include intranasal delivery, which takes advantage of the nose-to-brain pathway, and intrathecal injection, which targets the CSF for drug delivery. In clinical trials, intracranial injection of NGF for AD treatment has shown a decrease in the rate of cognitive decline. However, there have been potentially lethal side effects associated with this approach. These examples highlight the complexity and challenges in finding effective CNS delivery strategies.^[30], ^[31]

Intranasal delivery

Intranasal delivery is an emerging approach for delivering drugs to the central nervous system (CNS) and has attracted significant interest. The nasal cavity is of particular interest because nerves that project into it have been observed to penetrate the BBB, potentially allowing direct drug passage into the brain tissue, bypassing the BBB. The olfactory epithelium, located just below the cribiform plate of the ethmoid bone, separates the nasal cavity from the cranial cavity. The olfactory sensory cells, which are bipolar neurons, have dendritic processes extending from the cell body to the mucosa's apical surface. These neurons terminate into axons that form bundles and penetrate the cranial cavity through small holes in the cribiform plate.^[37]

The exact mechanisms by which drugs delivered intranasally reach the brain and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are not fully understood. However, three distinct pathways are believed to play a role. The systemic pathway involves the absorption of small, lipophilic drugs into the capillaries of the olfactory epithelium, followed by their crossing of the BBB. The other two pathways are slower but are more likely involved in the uptake of large molecular weight solutes like proteins and nucleic acids. These pathways include intracellular axonal transport by olfactory sensory neurons and paracellular transport through clefts between olfactory epithelial cells.^[38] Paracellular transport, which occurs between cells, is considered a rapid route and may account for a significant portion of protein uptake observed shortly after intranasal delivery. Studies have shown that peptides and proteins administered intranasally can rapidly reach the cerebrospinal fluid in humans and animals. For example, neuropeptides were detected in human subjects' CSF within 80 minutes of intranasal administration. Insulin administered intranasal yielded concentrations in the brain over 400-fold higher than those achieved through subcutaneous delivery, and uptake occurred within 10 minutes.^[39], ^[40]

In animal studies, various peptide molecules and growth factors have been successfully delivered to the brain via the nasal route, demonstrating neuroprotective effects in disease models. For instance, intranasal delivery of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) bypassed the BBB, distributed throughout the brain, and exerted neuroprotective effects in stroke models. NGF delivered intranasally reversed cognitive deficits in an AD model, and basic fibroblast growth factor showed protective effects in a PD model.^[41] Despite its promise, intranasal delivery for CNS therapeutics in humans is controversial and has limitations. Although the olfactory route lacks a BBB, tight junctions and metabolic enzymes present in the nasal epithelium act as barriers. Additionally, anatomical differences between rodents and humans can impact the efficacy of treatments, and the small volumes and short residence time of drugs in the nasal mucosa pose challenges. To improve intranasal delivery, advanced strategies such as nanoparticles, dry powders, or mucoadhesive gels are being explored.^[42] These formulations can enhance residence time, decrease drug degradation, facilitate nose-to-brain transport, and increase drug availability in target tissues and cells. Further preclinical evidence, including studies in non-human primates, will be necessary to better understand the benefits and limitations of intranasal delivery, especially for large molecular proteins, peptides, and nucleic acid constructs.

Nanotechnology for CNS delivery

Nanotechnology plays a crucial role in the development of pharmaceutical products, including CNS delivery. Nano-sized carriers like liposomes, emulsions, solid-lipid nanoparticles, and polymeric nanoparticles are designed to efficiently package therapeutic or imaging payloads and facilitate transport across the BBB.^[43] These carriers allow drugs to be delivered specifically to the CNS while minimizing systemic distribution. Additionally, these systems enable the concentration of various agents within the nanocarrier, enhancing their effectiveness. However, it is important to consider the potential disruption of the BBB by certain components of these delivery systems, such as polysorbate 80. Furthermore, the elimination and toxicity of nanoparticles used in drug delivery need to be carefully evaluated to ensure minimal harm. Extensive toxicity studies are necessary for each delivery system to assess their safety and potential adverse effects on CNS tissues.^[42], ^[44]

Liposomes and nanoemulsions

Liposomes are well-established drug delivery systems that resemble cell membranes. While traditional liposomes have limited success in treating CNS diseases, immunoliposomes have been effective in delivering compounds to the CNS. By attaching antibodies to the liposome surface, they can be targeted to the endothelial cells of the BBB, enhancing CNS absorption. This targeted delivery allows for increased drug delivery to the CNS and reduces non-specific distribution and side effects.^[45] However, off-target uptake still occurs, highlighting the need for CNS-specific drugs. Immunoliposomes have shown success in delivering antisense RNA to the CNS, where the drug can have its intended effects. Additionally, natural ligands and chimeric proteins can act as molecular vehicles to transport drugs across the BBB and into the CNS. These strategies hold promise for achieving safer and more specific targeting of CNS therapies.^[46]

Liposomes and nanoemulsions are effective drug delivery systems. Liposomes are composed of phospholipids and can be modified with antibodies to target endothelial cells of the BBB, enhancing drug delivery to the CNS and reducing non-specific distribution. On the other hand, nanoemulsions are emulsion systems with a nanometer-sized inner phase. They can improve oral absorption of drugs and increase CNS penetration. For example, nanoemulsions systems have been used to deliver saquinavir to the CNS, resulting in increased brain uptake.^[47] This effect is attributed to the use of oils rich in omega-3 fatty acids in the nanoemulsions formulation, as these fatty acids are preferentially transported into the brain. With further advancements in emulsion distribution, these delivery systems hold promise as effective strategies for treating CNS diseases by bypassing the BBB.^[48]

Solid-lipid nanoparticles (SLNs)

SLNs are lipid-based colloidal dispersions that solidify upon cooling. They offer advantages over polymeric nanoparticles, including biocompatibility and ease of large-scale production. SLNs resemble oil-in-water emulsions and can efficiently carry hydrophobic compounds. Modified SLNs, such as poly (ethylene glycol)-modified SLNs, have demonstrated the ability to penetrate the BBB and improve drug delivery to the central nervous system (CNS). Thiamine-coated SLNs have shown increased uptake in the CNS, indicating their potential for treating malignant gliomas. Due to their stability and manufacturing feasibility, SLNs hold promise as a promising approach for CNS drug delivery.^[49], ^[50]

Polymeric nanoparticles

Polymeric nanoparticles are solid particles made from biocompatible polymers and are utilized for drug delivery. Poly-butyl cyanoacrylate nanoparticles coated with polysorbate 80 have shown the ability to deliver drugs to the brain. The mechanism of how polysorbate 80 facilitates BBB transport is still debated, but its ability to disrupt the BBB may contribute to the nanoparticles' BBB penetration. Polysorbate 80 modification has also been found crucial for transporting polylactic acid nanoparticles across the BBB. Despite the need for polysorbate 80, these systems hold potential for treating ND’s.^[51], ^[52]