BRAINS Consortium Awards Two New Research Projects
The BRAINS consortium has awarded two new research projects, bringing the total number to five. These newly funded projects also 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 are investigating how the body’s own transport vesicles can be used to deliver medications effectively 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 seamlessly with the mission of BRAINS, in which the health foundations Alzheimer Nederland, EpilepsieNL, the Hersenstichting, ParkinsonNL, and Stichting MS Research collaborate to achieve greater impact for people with brain disorders. Together with Health~Holland, research institutions, and companies, long-term investments are being made in research that is relevant to multiple neurological conditions.
The Five BRAINS-Funded Research Projects to Date
- Understanding the blood-brain barrier as a foundation for new treatments
Led by Prof. Dr. Elga de Vries (Amsterdam UMC) - Improved scanning techniques for people with MS
Led by Prof. Dr. Jaap Jansen (Maastricht University Medical Center and TU Eindhoven) - Research into gliosis and brain disorders
Led by Prof. Dr. Elly Hol (UMC Utrecht) - Using the body’s own cells to transport medications
Led by Prof. Dr. Elga de Vries (Amsterdam UMC) - Improved scanning techniques for people with epilepsy
Led by Prof. Dr. Jaap Jansen (Maastricht University Medical Center and TU Eindhoven)
About BRAINS
BRAINS was established in 2022. It is currently a collaboration between Alzheimer Nederland, EpilepsieNL, Hersenstichting, ParkinsonNL, and Stichting MS Research. Several research institutes and universities are also involved, in partnership with many companies. BRAINS originated from the Nationaal Plan Hoofdzaken, a movement that aims to find solutions for people with neurological and/or psychiatric conditions. The projects are co-funded through PPP (public-private partnership) funding by Health~Holland, Top Sector Life Sciences & Health, which has made funding available to BRAINS to stimulate public-private collaboration.
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