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Repurposed Psoriasis Drug Restores Brain Function in Vascular Dementia Mice

Successful brain repair after delayed dosing confirms the promise of CD39/A3AR targeting, paving the way for human trials.

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Overview

  • UCLA researchers mapped the vascular dementia interactome in mouse models and human brain tissue to identify a downregulated CD39/A3AR inflammatory axis driving lesion expansion.
  • An A3AR-specific agonist originally developed for psoriasis promoted repair of damaged brain tissue and improved cognitive and motor functions in mice.
  • The therapy maintained efficacy even when administered after disease onset, offering a potential solution for late-diagnosed patients.
  • Vascular dementia accounts for about 25% of dementia cases and currently lacks any treatment that reverses vascular brain damage.
  • The research team is refining dosing strategies and validating biomarkers to support first-in-human trials of the novel therapy.