Alzheimer's disease: future drug development and the blood-brain barrier

摘要

In 2019, there is not a single biologic that is FDA approved for brain disorders wherein the drug crosses the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Bevacizumab is approved for brain cancer, but bevacizumab does not cross the BBB [1] and works by sequestration of vascular endothelial growth factor within the blood volume of the tumor. Natalizumab is approved for multiple sclerosis but works by blocking the trafficking of immune cells at the intra-vascular endothelial membrane [2], without entry into the brain.