Gate2Brain and Intact Barrier Brain Tumors: A Ray of Hope in the Fight against DIPG

On the occasion of World Brain Day Meritxell Teixidó, CEO & CSO of Gate2Brain, analyzes the scientific and technological advances that bring us closer to more effective treatments and potential cures for brain tumors.

Within the framework of World Brain Day, celebrated this July 22, it is crucial to highlight advances in the research and treatment of neurological diseases. One of the areas that most requires attention and development is brain tumors, particularly those that affect children, such as diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG). This type of tumor presents unique challenges due to its location in the brainstem and the presence of an intact blood-brain barrier (BBB), which makes it difficult to deliver effective treatments. In this context, the Gate2Brain company emerges as a ray of hope, with innovations that promise to transform the landscape of the treatment of these tumors.

DIPG Challenges

DIPG is an aggressive and lethal brain tumor that primarily affects children. It is located in the brain stem, a region critical for vital functions such as breathing, heart rate and motor control. The deep and diffuse location of DIPG makes it inoperable in most cases. Additionally, the blood-brain barrier, a protective structure that separates the brain from the circulatory system, prevents most medications from entering the brain, significantly limiting treatment options.

Gate2Brain Innovations

Gate2Brain is a biotechnology company that is revolutionizing the treatment of neurological diseases by developing technologies that allow the blood-brain barrier to be crossed. Founded in July 2020, it arises from three large institutions (IRB Barcelona, ​​University of Barcelona and Hospital Sant Joan de Deu) and has as investors the Botín Foundation with the MtG program, Banco Sabadell with the BStartup Health program and has received funding from programs such as Neotec, EIC Accelerator and Torres Quevedo among others. Led by Dr. Meritxell Teixidó, the company focuses on the design of carrier peptides that can deliver drugs directly to the brain, overcoming one of the most formidable barriers in modern medicine.

The peptides developed by Gate2Brain act as shuttles that overcome the blood-brain barrier, allowing the efficient delivery of therapeutic drugs to the brain. This technology has the potential to transform the treatment of a wide range of neurological diseases, including brain tumors such as DIPG. By facilitating the delivery of chemotherapies, targeted therapies and other therapeutic agents, Gate2Brain is opening new avenues to treat and potentially cure, among others, these devastating tumors.

Potential Impact

The potential impact of Gate2Brain’s technology in the treatment of DIPG and other brain tumors is immense. Currently, the prognosis for children diagnosed with DIPG is dismal, with a median survival of less than one year after diagnosis. Current treatments, including radiation therapy and systemic chemotherapy, offer temporary relief but do not cure the disease.

The ability to deliver drugs directly to the brain using Gate2Brain’s carrier peptides could significantly improve the effectiveness of existing treatments and enable the use of new therapies that were previously inaccessible due to the blood-brain barrier. This could not only prolong the life of DIPG patients, but also improve their quality of life by reducing the systemic side effects of the treatments.

The Road Ahead

Despite promising advances, the path toward clinical implementation of these innovations is not without challenges. The safety and efficacy of carrier peptides must be rigorously evaluated in clinical trials before they can be widely adopted. Additionally, collaboration between researchers, clinicians, and patient organizations will be crucial to accelerate the development and approval of new therapies.

On this World Brain Day, it is important to recognize and support the work of innovative companies like Gate2Brain, who are at the forefront of the fight against devastating neurological diseases. The commitment and dedication of these pioneers not only offer hope to patients and their families, but also lead the way to a future where brain tumors like DIPG are no longer so devastating.

Conclusion

Gate2Brain represents tangible hope in the fight against DIPG and other intact blood-brain barrier brain tumors. On World Brain Day, we celebrate the scientific and technological advances that bring us closer to more effective treatments and potential cures. With innovations like those from Gate2Brain, we are one step closer to overcoming these neurological challenges and improving the lives of countless patients around the world.

Read Asenbio’s feature (Spanish)