Research shows that BBB deterioration begins early in the disease often before major memory loss. When the barrier weakens, harmful substances like inflammatory proteins, immune cells, and even toxins can slip into the brain. This fuels more inflammation, oxidative stress, and cell death.
Instead of trying to reverse the damage after it’s done, this new approach focuses on keeping the barrier strong to prevent the damage in the first place.
This is where the drug SW033291 comes into play. Rather than targeting amyloid, it blocks an enzyme called 15-PGDH, which has been found to weaken the blood-brain barrier. In preclinical studies with Alzheimer’s mouse models, this shift in focus from plaque cleanup to barrier protection has shown real promise: better memory, less inflammation, and intact brain structures.
