Alzheimer's Drug Shows Promise for Life-Saving Emergency Use

Harvard researchers explore donepezil to induce a hibernation-like state, potentially extending critical treatment windows.

Donepezil, an FDA-approved Alzheimer's drug, can induce a reversible torpor-like state in tadpoles.
The drug could extend the critical 'golden hour' after traumatic injuries, buying time for lifesaving treatments.
Previous attempts with other compounds were unsuccessful due to severe side effects in humans.
Encapsulation in lipid nanocarriers reduces donepezil's toxicity while maintaining its efficacy.
The research is part of DARPA's Biostasis initiative aimed at extending survival times in emergencies.