In a recent study coordinated by Professor Aguilera and conducted in collaboration with the research group led by Dr Thomas Scior of the Benemrita Universidad Autnoma de Puebla (BUAP) in Mexico, researchers demonstrated that Hc-TeTx is capable of inhibiting the transport of serotonin within the central nervous system, by binding to neurotrophin receptors, proteins that induce the survival of neurons. These results, published in the journal Molecules, suggest that the drug may not only serve in treating depression, but also be useful in treating neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
‘Non-toxic derivative of the tetanus neurotoxin (which causes tetanus infections) may improve depression symptoms, Parkinson’s disease and ALS. This helps discover the mechanism through which this substance produces these effects.
’
According to researchers, the advantages of introducing Hc-TeTx as a new drug are evident. A biweekly or monthly dosis would allow medical professionals to control the progress. Since it is a recombinant product, there would be no problems with drug safety, production or high costs. Furthermore, in neurodegenerative cases, Hc-TeTx would stop the development of the pathology and at the same time eliminate any disease-related depressions.
Researchers recently patented the therapeutic use of Hc-TeTx for the treatment of depression, Parkinson’s disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and are now looking for investors to be able to conduct clinical trials on humans. “This is an important advance in science, and even more so now when in addition to the high incidence in depression and alterations in behaviours, we see mental alterations as a result of COVID-19 and the negative environments of stress, self-isolation or fear”, Aguilera concludes.
Source: Medindia
