SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- From battlefield explosions, to violent sports injuries, millions of patients suffer the lifetime effects of traumatic brain injuries. Treating the symptoms is often a frustrating challenge.
Now, there's hope for a possible breakthrough.
"What we found is that after the traumatic brain injuries, there is an up-regulation in this molecule called C1q, and especially in a deep brain area called the Thalamus. And when we blocked this molecule we were able to prevent the chronic neuronal loss, and the chronic inflammation and the sleep disruption and the development of epileptic spikes," Paz explains.
In other words, major symptoms of TBI.
The blocker they used was an antibody, being developed by South San Francisco-based Annexon Biosciences. Ted Yednock, Ph.D., is chief innovation officer.
"In traumatic brain injury, there aren't really any available therapies, especially any that prevent the neurodegenerative process from happening. So what's really interesting about Dr. Paz's study, is that even 24 hours after the injury, she found that she could treat, use our treatment to block this process," says Yednock.The company is already conducting clinical trials of the inhibitor for treating ALS and other conditions and could potentially expand to TBI in the future if the results are encouraging. And with causes ranging from car crashes to simple falls, some 69 million people around the world are believed to suffer from traumatic brain injury every year.
A C1q blocker is a type of medication that inhibits the activity of C1q, a protein involved in the inflammatory response. It is being studied as a potential treatment for traumatic brain injury (TBI) because it may help reduce brain inflammation and damage.
A C1q blocker works by binding to C1q and preventing it from activating other proteins in the inflammatory pathway. This helps to reduce the overall inflammatory response and may protect the brain from further damage after a TBI.
The potential benefits of using a C1q blocker for TBI include reducing brain inflammation, protecting against further damage, and potentially improving recovery outcomes. It may also have fewer side effects compared to other anti-inflammatory medications.
As with any medication, there are potential risks and side effects associated with using a C1q blocker. These may include allergic reactions, changes in blood pressure, and interactions with other medications. It is important to discuss these potential risks with a healthcare professional before starting treatment.
At this time, C1q blockers are still in the early stages of research and have not been approved for use in treating TBI. Clinical trials are ongoing to determine their safety and effectiveness. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional for the most up-to-date information on the availability of C1q blockers for TBI treatment.