The BRAINS consortium has awarded two new research projects, bringing the total number of projects to five. These newly funded projects have the potential to represent significant steps forward in the treatment of brain disorders. In the new project led by Prof. Dr. Elga de Vries (Amsterdam UMC), researchers will study how the body’s transport vesicles can be used to effectively deliver drugs across the blood-brain barrier. The other new project, led by Prof. Dr. Jaap Jansen (Maastricht UMC and TU Eindhoven), focuses on the use of advanced MRI technology to understand why anti-seizure medications do not work for a large group of people with epilepsy.

Both studies align with the mission of the BRAINS Consortium, in which organizations Alzheimer Nederland, EpilepsieNL, the Dutch Brain Foundation, ParkinsonNL, and Foundation MS Research collaborate to achieve impact for people with brain disorders. Together with Health~Holland, research institutions, and companies, long-term research investments are being made that are relevant to multiple neurological conditions.

The five BRAINS-funded research projects

  1. Understanding the blood-brain barrier as a foundation for new treatments - Led by Prof. Dr. Elga de Vries (Amsterdam UMC)
  2. Improved scanning techniques for people with MS - Led by Prof. Dr. Jaap Jansen (Maastricht University Medical Center and TU Eindhoven)
  3. Research into gliosis and brain disorders - Led by Prof. Dr. Elly Hol (UMC Utrecht)
  4. Using the body's own cells to transport medications - Led by Prof. Dr. Elga de Vries (Amsterdam UMC)
  5. Improved scanning techniques for people with epilepsy - Led by Prof. Dr. Jaap Jansen (Maastricht University Medical Center and TU Eindhoven)

Faster and better solutions for people with brain or mental disorders

BRAINS originated from the Netherlands Brain Initiative (Nationaal Plan Hoofdzaken), which is a Dutch initiative that aims to improve brain and psychological health in the Netherlands. This initiative is essential because a significant proportion of the population, approximately one-quarter, suffers from a brain and/or psychological disorder. The limited options for intervention result in adverse effects for the individuals, their environment, and society as a whole. The BRAINS Consortium creates connections across various disciplines and organizations.

About BRAINS

BRAINS was founded in 2022. It is currently a collaboration between Alzheimer Nederland, EpilepsieNL, the Dutch Brain Foundation, ParkinsonNL, and Foundation MS Research. Several research institutes and universities are also involved, in partnership with numerous companies. The projects of the BRAINS Consortium are co-financed with Public-Private Partnership funding from Health~Holland, Top Sector Life Sciences & Health.

For more information about BRAINS, visit: Hersenstichting.nl

Source: The Netherlands Brain Initiative (Nationaal Plan Hoofdzaken)