Author Archives: Zuzanna Walter

Investing in Inflammation: Thriving R&D in Immune-Mediated Neurological Disease Sector 

Increasing life expectancy has led to silently progressive neurodegenerative disorders becoming more prominent worldwide. In the case of neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and Huntington’s disease, the urgent need for targeted and effective treatments is more significant than ever.

Major technological advancements have spurred research and development in the biotechnology industry, leading to the discovery of novel therapeutic platforms that can target the root cause of diseases.

With the help of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, gene editing, and precision medicine, biotech companies are now better equipped to develop new treatment strategies. One promising approach gaining significant attention in recent years involves targeting the overactive immune system and reducing systemic inflammation to mitigate the detrimental effects of neuroinflammation.

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Predicting Disease Susceptibility Through Changes in Cognitive Performance

Cognitive function and other physiological factors, such as stress levels, have long been associated with physiological health and immunocompetence. Markers of cognitive function, such as reaction time, vigilance, and processing speed, are central to human ability and optimal performance. Variability in these measures is common, as numerous environmental, physical, and mental factors can modify them, including sleep quality, dietary patterns, and other lifestyle choices.

A burgeoning body of scientific evidence suggests that intra-individual variability reaction time and other cognitive performance markers may reflect neurobiological disturbances and, thus, have valuable prognostic significance. Prior research has shown that a heightened variability in reaction time is explicitly associated with greater mortality risk in both younger and older adults. Now, the results of a recent 2022 study reveal a potential connection between cognitive performance and disease susceptibility that could transform our understanding of and approach to the brain-immune system pathway.

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The Brain On Fire: Is Depression An Inflammation-Based Disease?

Complex, heterogenous, and often debilitating, depression is a multifaceted condition that affects millions of people worldwide. According to current statistics, one in five Americans will experience major depressive disorder (MDD) in their lifetime, and many will not find relief from current therapeutic approaches. While there is an ever-growing list of potential causes of MDD, recent research suggests that inflammation in the body may be a contributing factor to the development and severity of depression. And the latest clinical trial data suggest that targeting and treating inflammation as the root cause may help clinicians provide more precise, personalized care to patients struggling with depression and help them achieve lasting mental and physical wellness.

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