Master student Anna Timofeeva aims to create neuroprotective gene therapy

She is one the winners of the Student Startup initiative.

The young researcher has already registered a new company for this specific purpose. She says,
“Despite a significant number of publications on neural regeneration, there is yet much to be desired in regard to treatment outcomes. Gene therapy has shown much promise, which makes it a prospective technique to treat neurological ailments.”

The remedy is based on an adeno-associated virus. It is targeted at ischemic, traumatic and degenerative problems of the central nervous system, including Alzheimer’s disease and spinal cord injuries.

Among its advantages are safety and efficacy; the combination with adeno-associated virus which codes the synthesis of neurotrophic and neuroprotective factors enhances therapy and stifles degeneration by supporting the growth of nervous tissue and regeneration of nervous connections.

After in vitro research, there comes a time of preclinical trials. If they show satisfactory results, a time comes for clinical trials and ensuing marketization of the medication.