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Damaged memory may be aided by new drug

On Behalf of | Jul 19, 2016 | Brain Injuries

Although it is often associated with sports, traumatic brain injury, or TBI, affects 5 million Americans according to the Center for Disease Control. It is also the primary cause of disability and death for those under the age of 45. New Jersey residents may be interested to know that pharmaceutical drug company Tetra Discovery, along with the University of Miami, has discovered that PDE4B may be able to improve the memory and learning performance of patients with brain injuries.

PDE4B is an experimental drug that is being considered as a viable treatment for a variety of brain illnesses such as schizophrenia and depression. Researchers at the University of Miami have joined with Tetra to determine whether the same can be done for brain injuries that resulted from external factors.

Studies have shown that the CREB protein, which is normally supported by the cAMP molecule, ceases to function correctly when the brain has been damaged by trauma. Research that has been conducted on animals has revealed that the PDE4B inhibitor can enhance the levels of cAMP and partially reverse the memory problems that were caused by the trauma to the brain.

The treatment currently provided to patients who suffer from traumatic brain injury are medicines intended for Alzheimer’s patients. Based on the research conducted by Tetra Discovery and the University of Miami, clinical trials involving humans could begin testing the PDE4B inhibitor as an effective treatment.

Individuals who sustain brain injuries due to the negligence of someone else may be able to receive compensation, which can be used for medical expenses. A personal injury attorney might be able to review the facts of the case and advise of legal options.