Researchers at the University of Birmingham who are behind a drug to reduce brain pressure could help the next generation of astronauts in their mission to Mars.
A delegation of NASA scientists and astronauts have visited the university to learn more about its research into Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH), which has similar effects on the body as the brain pressure caused by space travel.
NASA wants to send humans to Mars, but one major concern is microgravity, which can cause significant physiological effects on the body and can lead to pressure on the brain and even visual impairment.
NIHR clinician scientist fellow Dr Alex Sinclair and her research group are world leading experts in brain pressure and their recent research published in Science Translational Medicine showed that treating an animal model with Exenatide, a GLP1-R agonist, can reduce intracranial pressure. A clinical trial in patients with IIH is underway.
Dr Sinclair, of the University of Birmingham’s Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, said: “NASA scientists are trying to find a solution to space flight raised brain pressure, which could be problematic for human Mars exploration.
"Ultimately, our new drug discovery may be the solution to reducing brain pressure during space flight.”
NASA chief health and medical officer Dr James Polk and colleagues held round-table talks Dr Sinclair and her researchers.
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