Innovative Therapies Against Neurodegenerative Disorders: from New Active Molecules to Novel Drug Delivery Systems

Neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and various dementia types, are devastating disorders affecting the lives of both patients and their caregivers. Currently, the diagnosis of dementia relies on physical and neurological exams, sometimes supplemented with brain imaging. Despite recent advancements in identifying molecular mechanisms involved in the disease progression these are not completely understood, impeding the development of a cure.

Pharmacological options for dementia and AD are limited, hindering efficient disease management; three are cholinesterase inhibitors, while one is an N-methyl D-aspartate receptor antagonist, blocking the effects of high glutamate levels. Recently, two anti-monoclonal antibodies have received FDA approval for AD management, targeting amyloid aggregation. Fortunately, the literature reflects progress in synthesizing new molecules, exploring natural and biotechnological products, and developing innovative carriers for existing drugs that could maximize therapeutic efficacy.

At present, the scientific community is working to develop tests and biomarkers to improve the accuracy of setting the diagnosis of a neurodegenerative disease. Consequently, the generation of diagnostic tests for dementia and AD is crucial for therapeutic management. Nanotheranostics can impact the future of neurodegeneration management as these offer many advantages in both diagnosis and therapy.

In addition to diagnostic markers, researchers should focus on synthesizing new drug molecules, exploring biotechnological products, and developing efficient drug carriers to achieve maximum therapeutic efficacy. Recently, two anti-monoclonal antibodies (MAbs)—lecanemab (Leqembi®) and aducanumab (Aduhelm®)—have gained FDA approval for Alzheimer's disease management. These MAbs are the first disease-modifying therapies for AD that intervene in the basic biological processes of the disease and seem to decelerate the clinical decline.

Biotechnology products targeting various diseases are at the forefront of the medical field; therefore, future innovative solutions including monoclonal antibodies would improve dementia therapy in the foreseeable future. Another challenge is drug uptake in the Central Nervous System, where the presence of the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) constitutes a major obstacle. Consequently, developing novel drug carriers using nanotechnology and other innovative technologies would be beneficial.

The scope of this Research Topic impacts both therapy and diagnosis in the fields of neurodegenerative disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The focus of this article selection is on the synthesis, evaluation, and identification of novel molecules, including chemically synthesized compounds and biotechnology-based products used for the therapeutic management of neurodegenerative diseases.

Additionally, the scope of this Research Topic includes but is not limited to innovative drug delivery systems, such as nanocarriers, microparticles, microneedle-based patches, and their development and characterization for neurodegenerative diseases. Moreover, there is a special interest in the use of nanotheranostics targeting Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia.

The following types of articles are welcome: research articles, review articles, and short communications.

Keywords: Innovative therapies, neurodegenerative disorders, new active molecules, novel drug delivery systems

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