Opening the brain

A Cornell University team has proposed a new strategy for delivering large-molecule therapeutics into the CNS: agonizing adenosine receptors in the brain's vasculature to loosen up the blood brain barrier.¹ Private equity company KensaGroup LLC has formed Adenios Inc. to commercialize the approach.

The blood brain barrier (BBB) is maintained by a set of pumps, barriers and cytoskeletal structures that work in the endothelial cells of the brain's blood vessels to keep out foreign substances. The barrier prevents many small molecules and most therapeutic proteins from entering the brain...