CNS Drug Delivery in Stroke: Improving Therapeutic Translation From the Bench to the Bedside

Patrick T. Ronaldson, Erica I. Williams, Robert D. Betterton, Joshua A. Stanton, Kelsy L. Nilles, Thomas P. Davis

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

Drug development for ischemic stroke is challenging as evidenced by the paucity of therapeutics that have advanced beyond a phase III trial. There are many reasons for this lack of clinical translation including factors related to the experimental design of preclinical studies. Often overlooked in therapeutic development for ischemic stroke is the requirement of effective drug delivery to the brain, which is critical for neuroprotective efficacy of several small and large molecule drugs. Advancing central nervous system drug delivery technologies implies a need for detailed comprehension of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and neurovascular unit. Such knowledge will permit the innate biology of the BBB/neurovascular unit to be leveraged for improved bench-to-bedside translation of novel stroke therapeutics. In this review, we will highlight key aspects of BBB/neurovascular unit pathophysiology and describe state-of-the-art approaches for optimization of central nervous system drug delivery (ie, passive diffusion, mechanical opening of the BBB, liposomes/nanoparticles, transcytosis, intranasal drug administration). Additionally, we will discuss how endogenous BBB transporters represent the next frontier of drug delivery strategies for stroke. Overall, this review will provide cutting edge perspective on how central nervous system drug delivery must be considered for the advancement of new stroke drugs toward human trials.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)190-202
Number of pages13
JournalStroke
Volume55
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2024

Keywords

  • blood-brain barrier
  • drug delivery systems
  • drug therapy
  • ischemic stroke
  • OATP transporters
  • organic cation transport proteins

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Neurology
  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Advanced and Specialized Nursing

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