Lundbeck to Research Link Between Immune System and Brain Diseases

H. Lundbeck A/S (Lundbeck) is involved in new research that will investigate a novel link that could show a relationship between the immune system and mood disorders, such as depression, and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease. This project, a public-private partnership also involving The Wellcome Trust, Cambridge University and pharmaceutical company Janssen, may be the first step towards a new and significantly improved treatment for a broad range of brain diseases.

The main theory that the project will investigate is that the immune system can worsen brain diseases like depression and Alzheimer's disease. An imbalance in the immune system of the brain can drive a permanent and unhealthy neuro-inflammation — or inflammation in the brain — that can contribute to or cause brain diseases. Another sub-theory for investigation is that the immune system can improve brain diseases if it is triggered in the right way.

The initial link between the immune system and brain diseases has been established by a number of studies, which show that for some sub-groups of patients anti-inflammatory drugs have a positive effect. Some research indicates the presence of increased inflammatory cells and substances in brains of patients, and that anti-inflammatory drugs could decrease depressive symptoms without increasing the risks of adverse effects. This is interesting because a large number of patients today are still not receiving adequate treatment with the existing drugs. However, why and how some patients seem to benefit from receiving certain anti-inflammatory drugs is unclear and that is part of what this project will investigate.

"Neuro-inflammation has been increasingly implicated as a key player in a wide range of brain disorders including depression and Alzheimer's disease. This partnership is an exciting opportunity for us to increase our understanding of the important role of emerging immune and neuronal interactions in these disorders. We believe it can point us toward new avenues to develop breakthrough treatments for the patients," says Dr Stevin Zorn, EVP Lundbeck Research USA.