Overview

• AstroCapsules are tiny hydrogel shells containing engineered human astrocytes that secrete the anti-inflammatory protein interleukin‑1 receptor antagonist.
• In human brain organoids and mouse models, the implants lowered neuroinflammatory markers and resisted immune rejection during stable rodent brain implantation.
• Each capsule is roughly the size of a large grain of sand and is designed to confine cells locally to curb migration and limit systemic exposure.
• Researchers highlight potential use against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s by delivering targeted, localized anti-inflammatory therapy.
• The work, co-led by Rice University’s Omid Veiseh and Houston Methodist’s Robert Krencik, remains preclinical as teams plan further studies on safety, durability, dosing, and efficacy.