Indian scientists have achieved a breakthrough in treating Central Nervous System Tuberculosis (CNS-TB) by developing a nose-to-brain drug delivery method. Researchers at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali, have created a novel approach to deliver tuberculosis medicines directly to the brain through the nasal route, addressing the challenge of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). This innovation holds promise for improving treatment outcomes for CNS-TB, a dangerous form of tuberculosis that affects the brain and spinal cord.
Overcoming the Blood-Brain Barrier
CNS-TB often manifests as tuberculous meningitis, characterized by inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain, leading to symptoms such as headaches, fever, and neurological deficits. A significant hurdle in treating CNS-TB is the BBB, which restricts the passage of many drugs into the brain. Traditional TB treatments involving high doses of oral drugs often fail to achieve effective concentrations in the cerebrospinal fluid due to this barrier.
Chitosan Nano-Aggregates for Targeted Delivery
To overcome this challenge, the scientists developed chitosan nano-aggregates, tiny clusters of nanoparticles made from chitosan, a biocompatible and biodegradable material. These nano-aggregates are designed for easy nasal delivery and can carry TB drugs like isoniazid (INH) and rifampicin (RIF). By delivering the drug through the nasal route, the nano-aggregates can transport the drugs directly into the brain, significantly improving drug bioavailability at the infection site.
According to an official statement, chitosan's mucoadhesive properties help the nano-aggregates stick to the nasal mucosa, prolonging the time they can release the drug and enhancing its therapeutic effectiveness. The nose-to-brain drug delivery utilizes the olfactory and trigeminal nerve pathways in the nasal cavity and effectively bypasses the challenging blood-brain barrier.
Promising Results in Mice Studies
The effectiveness of this method was demonstrated in mice infected with TB. The nasal delivery of these nano-aggregates reduced the number of bacteria in the brain by nearly 1,000 times more than in untreated mice, as reported in the journal Nanoscale (Royal Society of Chemistry). This indicates a significant improvement in drug delivery and therapeutic outcome compared to traditional methods.
Potential Applications Beyond Tuberculosis
The scientists believe that this method can also be applied to treat other brain infections and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, along with brain tumors and epilepsy, by enabling efficient drug delivery to the brain for a quicker effect. Furthermore, the new treatment method would also help reduce inflammation caused by the infection—an advance that has the potential to greatly improve treatment for people suffering from brain TB and could help in faster recovery.
