Nature reviews. Drug discoveryJan 23, 2016

From the Blood-Brain Barrier to the Blood-Brain Interface: New Ways to Deliver Drugs to the Brain and Nervous System

mRNA Technology Weekly Brief ↗PubMed ↗DOI ↗

Updated Mar 31, 2026

Abstract

Achieving sufficient blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetration remains a significant challenge in developing therapeutics for central nervous system (CNS) disorders.

The BBB functions as a complex, dynamic interface that adapts to the CNS's needs.
Physiological changes can influence the permeability and function of the BBB.
The BBB is associated with various disease processes and may even promote certain conditions.
Recent research has identified opportunities for innovative approaches to enhance drug delivery to the CNS.

Simplified

One of the biggest challenges in the development of therapeutics for central nervous system (CNS) disorders is achieving sufficient blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetration. Research in the past few decades has revealed that the BBB is not only a substantial barrier for drug delivery to the CNS but also a complex, dynamic interface that adapts to the needs of the CNS, responds to physiological changes, and is affected by and can even promote disease. This complexity confounds simple strategies for drug delivery to the CNS, but provides a wealth of opportunities and approaches for drug development. Here, I review some of the most important areas that have recently redefined the BBB and discuss how they can be applied to the development of CNS therapeutics.

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From the Blood-Brain Barrier to the Blood-Brain Interface: New Ways to Deliver Drugs to the Brain and Nervous System

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