This 37-year-old researcher, with two colleagues from the BB@C laboratory (Blood and Brain at Caen-Normandie Editor’s note), synthesized particles called PHySIOMIC to identify and destroy the tiny blood clots responsible for strokes, with more precision and less toxicity for the body than the current process.
Effective in mice, PHySIOMIC still needs to be tested on two “large animals”, then humans, and a procedure must be defined to mass produce it before marketing it, which will not happen for “five to ten years” , according to Thomas Bonnard.
“An ischemic stroke is caused by a clot that migrates from the carotid artery and blocks blood flow in the brain, thus killing neurons. Today, we know how to see large clots in MRI (magnetic resonance imaging, editor’s note)” recalls Mr. Bonnard, “on the other hand, we did not know how to detect the smaller clots, or “microthrombi”.
The PHySIOMIC contrast agent is made up of microparticles of iron oxide and polydopamine: an assembly of molecules of the neurotransmitter dopamine by which neurons usually communicate, used here as a material. Once injected into the bloodstream, it will attach to the microclot and will be visible on MRI thanks to its magnetic properties.
There are “concerns” with the contrast agents currently used based on Gadolinium, “associated in the past with certain risks of renal complications”, according to Thomas Bonnard. This is not the case, according to the researcher, of PHySIOMIC: “It will never have toxic effects, since it exclusively uses materials that are already present in the body. »
On the same subject
90% of strokes are preventable, by adopting the right “prevention” reflexes
A cerebrovascular accident (CVA) is the consequence of impaired blood circulation to the brain: either a blood vessel is blocked, then it is an ischemic accident (80% of strokes), or a blood vessel tears. It causes hemorrhage in or around the brain (this is a hemorrhagic stroke). Brain cells are thus deprived of oxygen and fuel (glucose), leading to neurological after-effects. This is why stroke is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, the leading cause of acquired disability in adults and the second leading cause of dementia in seniors.
Like a mussel to its rock
The “MIC” in PHySIOMIC stands for “Mussel Inspired Clusters” because the mussel, to attach itself to its rock, also uses dopamine. “When we inject something into the blood, proteins “clump” on it and participate in attaching to the microclot,” describes Charlène Jacqmarcq, 30 years old.
This post-doctoral student at BB@C sits in front of a “microfluidic station”: a network of tubes and pumps responsible for reproducing the blood system in which she “simulates strokes” on human blood recovered in partnership with the French establishment blood (EFS).
Once identified, the microthrombi must be destroyed, research carried out by Audrey Picot, a 27-year-old doctoral student at the BB@C laboratory, who adds a tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) to PHySIOMIC. The only pharmacological treatment currently delivered to stroke victims, tPA presents a risk of bleeding which will be reduced by targeting the contrast agent PHySIOMIC, according to Mr. Bonnard.
“We have set up a collaboration with the Australian pharmaceutical company CSL Behring, as well as Inserm Transfert, to develop this diagnostic tool and make it become a theranostic tool: this means that it will both diagnose and make visible microclots, allow their breakdown and restore blood flow in patients,” specifies Ms. Picot.
Private funds
Paid by Inserm from the private funds of CSL Behring, the entire team benefits from the tools of the BB@C laboratory. “Small animal” MRI, magnetic particle imaging scanner (the 1st in France), a super resolution 3D ultrasound machine… “We don’t find this equipment concentrated in a single place in all the research centers, we’re lucky to work here,” rejoices Charlène Jacqmarcq.
Revolutionary Stroke Treatment: Meet PHySIOMIC
Oh, let’s dive into this marvel of modern science, shall we? Grab your favorite cup of tea or coffee – I guarantee you’ll need it to process just how the bright minds at the BB@C laboratory (Blood and Brain at Caen-Normandie – now there’s a title that sounds like an exclusive club) have cooked up something that could change the way we tackle strokes forever!
The Brainiacs Behind the Magic
At the heart of this breakthrough is a 37-year-old researcher, Thomas Bonnard, who, alongside a couple of colleagues, has synthesized particles known as PHySIOMIC. These weren’t just any particles, mind you; they’re designed to locate and demolish tiny blood clots – those pesky little things that cause strokes, with more precision than a Swiss watch and less toxicity than that questionable takeaway you regretted last Tuesday.
Now, before you rush off to find a white coat and a stethoscope, let’s make this clear: PHySIOMIC has shown effectiveness in mice. Yes, it’s always the mice, isn’t it? But fear not! The researchers plan to improve on their animal testing with a couple of “large animals” next – I mean, no pressure, right? Just think of all those “Giant Hamsters of Science” memes waiting to happen. After that, it’s humanity’s turn… but that’s about five to ten years down the line, folks. That means you have plenty of time to perfect your flossing technique!
Understanding the Science Behind the Clue
Now, let’s break this down. An ischemic stroke occurs when a clot migrates from the carotid artery and causes a traffic jam in the brain – sort of like when your phone freezes right before a big deadline. As Mr. Bonnard passionately emphasizes, while we’ve conquered the ability to spot the grand clots with fancy MRI machines, the smaller clots, the “microthrombi,” have been playing hide-and-seek. Until now, that is!
The secret sauce of PHySIOMIC is a glorious concoction of iron oxide and polydopamine – now there’s a cocktail no one is ordering at the bar! This fancy brew latches onto those microclots, turning them into visible targets on MRIs. Just imagine! No more guessing games; researchers will be hunting clots like they’re in an episode of CSI – “Microthrombosis Scene Investigation.”
Toxicity? Not on My Watch!
Admittedly, today’s contrast agents which rely on Gadolinium leave a lot to be desired, with some nasty associated renal risks. But fear not, because Thomas Bonnard reassured us that PHySIOMIC is as safe as your grandma’s chicken soup. It only employs materials that our bodies are already cozy with – no toxic side effects here!
The Mussel Connection – Say What?
An intriguing aspect of this research is the “MIC” in PHySIOMIC, standing for “Mussel Inspired Clusters.” That’s right: mussels. These little sea critters attach to rocks using dopamine, which coincidentally is also a neurotransmitter our neurons frequently use. Who knew mollusks could lend us a hand in such a groundbreaking medical advancement? Talk about the undersea world coming to the rescue! Researchers Charlène Jacqmarcq and Audrey Picot are at the helm, working tirelessly to bring this therapy to fruition.
Funding and Future Prospects
While the aspirations of these bright minds are lofty, let’s not forget the dollars and cents. With private funding from CSL Behring and Inserm, the BB@C team is making strides with enough fancy equipment that it sounds like a sci-fi film set! They’ve got MRI machines and super-resolution 3D ultrasound machines at their disposal. I mean, who wouldn’t want to work in a place that sounds like a scene from Star Wars?
Stroke Prevention: A Gentle Reminder
Now, before you hit the panic button, here’s a silver lining: up to 90% of strokes are preventable. Yes, you read that right! Adopting the right preventive reflexes can save lives, proving that while science plays a crucial role in treating strokes, a proactive approach could outsmart them entirely. Trust me, your brain will thank you later!
In Conclusion
It’s clear that the researchers at BB@C are onto something potentially revolutionary. With PHySIOMIC, we could wave goodbye to those dangerous microthrombi and welcome a new era of stroke treatment. But until then, let’s keep our eyes open for those giant hamsters and hold onto our hats – the future looks exciting!
In a groundbreaking development, a 37-year-old researcher, alongside two dedicated colleagues from the esteemed BB@C laboratory (Blood and Brain at Caen-Normandie), has successfully synthesized innovative particles known as PHySIOMIC. These particles are designed to detect and effectively eliminate the minuscule blood clots linked to strokes, achieving this with greater precision and reduced toxicity compared to existing treatment methods.
While PHySIOMIC has shown promising results in mice, further testing is required on two larger animal models and eventually, human trials. Additionally, researchers must outline a production process for mass manufacturing PHySIOMIC, with commercialization expected to take place within a timeline of “five to ten years,” according to lead researcher Thomas Bonnard.
“An ischemic stroke occurs when a clot dislodges from the carotid artery, obstructing blood flow to the brain and resulting in neuronal death,” explains Mr. Bonnard. “Presently, we can detect large clots through MRI, yet the challenge of identifying smaller clots, referred to as ‘microthrombi’, has remained a significant hurdle.”
The PHySIOMIC contrast agent is a sophisticated composition of iron oxide microparticles combined with polydopamine. This innovative approach leverages molecules derived from dopamine, a key neurotransmitter that enables communication between neurons. Upon injection into the bloodstream, PHySIOMIC attaches itself to microclots and becomes visible on MRI due to its inherent magnetic properties.
In comparison to the current contrast agents that utilize Gadolinium, Thomas Bonnard expresses concerns over potential risks associated with renal complications. However, he reassures that PHySIOMIC stands apart: “It is designed to be non-toxic, utilizing exclusively materials naturally occurring within the human body.”
Like a mussel to its rock
The “MIC” in PHySIOMIC is a nod to “Mussel Inspired Clusters,” showcasing how mussels adeptly use dopamine to anchor themselves to rocks. “When we introduce our agent into the bloodstream, proteins bind to it, aiding in its attachment to microclots,” illustrates Charlène Jacqmarcq, a savvy post-doctoral student at BB@C.
Jacqmarcq works tirelessly at a “microfluidic station,” a sophisticated setup of tubes and pumps that mimics the human circulatory system, where she diligently “simulates strokes” using human blood obtained through a partnership with the French blood establishment (EFS).
After identifying the troublesome microthrombi, complementary research led by Audrey Picot, a 27-year-old doctoral student, focuses on effectively dismantling these clots. By incorporating a tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) into the PHySIOMIC framework, they aim to enhance the only pharmacological treatment available for stroke victims. Mr. Bonnard emphasizes that the risk of bleeding associated with tPA can be significantly mitigated by targeting it via the PHySIOMIC contrast agent.
“Our collaboration with the Australian pharmaceutical company CSL Behring, along with Inserm Transfert, is crucial in our quest to transform this diagnostic tool into a theranostic innovation: one that not only diagnoses and visualizes microclots but also facilitates their resolution and restores blood flow to patients,” highlights Ms. Picot.
Private funds
Leveraging private funds from CSL Behring, the research team receives vital support from Inserm, further enhancing their work at the BB@C laboratory. The team has access to cutting-edge technologies, including “small animal” MRI, France’s first magnetic particle imaging scanner, and a super-resolution 3D ultrasound machine. “Such state-of-the-art equipment is rare to find centralized within research centers, and we consider ourselves fortunate to work here,” expresses an elated Charlène Jacqmarcq.
Ts much like how mussels cling to surfaces in their habitat,” adds Bonnard. This unique connection not only enhances the functionality of PHySIOMIC but also underscores the innovative use of biological inspiration in medical research.
Collaboration for Innovation
To further advance this promising technology, the BB@C laboratory has teamed up with CSL Behring, an Australian pharmaceutical company renowned for its contributions to blood-related therapies. Together with Inserm Transfert, they aim to develop a unique diagnostic tool that doubles as a therapeutic agent. “Our ultimate goal is to create a theranostic application,” says doctoral student Audrey Picot. This multifunctional approach means that PHySIOMIC will not only diagnose the presence of microclots but also facilitate their breakdown and restore blood flow, revolutionizing the care provided to stroke patients.
Leveraging State-of-the-Art Equipment
The team benefits from cutting-edge tools at the BB@C laboratory, including advanced “small animal” MRI machines and a pioneering magnetic particle imaging scanner, the first of its kind in France. “The availability of such refined technology is unique and enhances our research capability significantly,” notes researcher Charlène Jacqmarcq. It is not often that such advanced equipment is centralized in a single research facility, providing an invaluable advantage to the investigators working to combat strokes.
Looking Ahead: Funding and Future Developments
While the research team’s ambitions are ambitious, they are supported by private funding from CSL Behring alongside governmental support from Inserm. This financial backing is essential for the development and eventual commercialization of PHySIOMIC. As the team gears up for future trials and production planning, the estimated timeline for bringing this revolutionary stroke treatment to patients remains five to ten years away. However, the excitement surrounding its potential continues to build, with significant implications for stroke management in the future.
A Call to Action on Stroke Awareness
As researchers work diligently on emerging therapies like PHySIOMIC, it is crucial to remember that up to 90% of strokes can be prevented through proactive measures. Educating oneself about stroke signs, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and managing risk factors such as hypertension and diabetes are essential strategies in reducing stroke incidence.
Conclusion: The Future of Stroke Treatment
The innovative work conducted at the BB@C laboratory marks a significant leap forward in our approach to treating strokes. With PHySIOMIC, we stand on the brink of a new era that may one day allow us to effectively manage the silent threats posed by microthrombi, transforming how clinicians and patients alike understand and address strokes. Stay tuned, as the advancements in stroke treatment unfold and bring fresh hope to millions.