“ We might be able to help the brain heal better by boosting its own repair systems.”
COVER STORY
New Compound May Help the Brain Heal Itself After Injury
“ We might be able to help the brain heal better by boosting its own repair systems.”
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Researchers from the University of Georgia found a new drug that may boost the brain’ s ability to heal itself after injury. The discovery could lead to significant advances in treating traumatic brain injuries, or TBIs.
There are currently no FDA-approved drugs that directly repair or prevent brain damage following TBI, a major gap in treatment. The compound, called CMX- 2043, may help fill that void by increasing the enzymes that play a crucial role in mopping up harmful molecules after injury.
“ What really caught our attention was how CMX-2043 seemed to jumpstart the brain’ s natural defenses,” said Franklin West, senior author of the study and a professor in the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.“ We saw clear increases in enzymes. Basically, they’ re the cleanup crew that rushes in after an injury. That tells us the therapy might really be stepping in where the brain needs support most.”