Stroke, spinal cord injury, and Alzheimer’s disease may seem like very different conditions, but they share a common challenge: the loss of healthy neurons and the struggle to repair damaged brain and spinal tissue. Around the world, scientists are exploring diverse strategies to address this—from ancient herbal medicines to cutting-edge nanomaterials and first-in-human drug trials.
This week, we take a closer look at three promising directions in neuroregeneration research. In China, traditional herbal remedies are being studied alongside Western medicine to enhance stroke recovery and protect aging brains. In spinal cord injury models, black phosphorus nanosheets are helping stem cells grow into neurons and restore movement. And in early clinical testing, an oral therapy called NNI-362 has shown it can safely stimulate neuron regeneration while lowering Alzheimer’s biomarkers. Together, these findings highlight how both tradition and innovation are shaping the future of neurological care.
1. Traditional Chinese herbal medicines for the treatment of ischemic stroke in China
Traditional Chinese herbal medicines (TCHMs) are showing promise in stroke recovery by working on multiple pathways at once—reducing inflammation, protecting brain cells, and supporting long-term healing. When combined with standard Western treatments, studies suggest TCHMs may improve recovery outcomes and reduce side effects, especially in older adults.
2. Black phosphorus nanosheets promote neuronal differentiation of neural stem cells through adhesion and pinocytosis for spinal cord injury repair
Scientists found that black phosphorus nanosheets (BPNSs) help neural stem cells develop into neurons by activating key pathways inside the cells. When used in spinal cord injury models, BPNS-treated stem cells promoted stronger nerve regeneration, reduced inflammation, and improved movement recovery—offering a promising strategy for spinal cord repair.
3. First-in-human study of neuron regenerative therapy NNI-362 to evaluate the safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics in healthy aged population
A Phase 1a trial found that NNI-362, an oral therapy designed to stimulate neuron regeneration, was safe and well tolerated in adults aged 50–72. At higher doses, it also significantly lowered blood levels of p-tau181, a biomarker linked to Alzheimer’s disease. These findings support moving forward to Phase 2 studies in patients with Alzheimer’s and other age-related disorders.
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