Editorial: Innovative Therapies Against Neurodegenerative Disorders: from New Active Molecules to Novel Drug Delivery Systems

Panoraia I. Siafaka^1*Mehmet Evren Okur²Neslihan Üstündağ Okur²

• ¹European University Cyprus, Engomi, Cyprus
• ²Saglik Bilimleri Universitesi, Istanbul, Türkiye

Neurodegenerative disorders as Huntington's disease (HD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Multiple Sclerosis (MS) are among the greatest and rather complex challenges for modern medicine [1][2][3][4] . These conditions involve the progressive loss of neuronal structure and function, affecting millions globally, thus imposing heavy social, familial, and economic burdens 5 .For years, therapeutic options for these disorders have been very limited; only treatments to alleviate symptoms, and no true options for modification of the disease process are available. However, in recent years, an unprecedented innovation surge has opened new possibilities. This Research Topic "Innovative Therapies Against Neurodegenerative Disorders: from New Active Molecules to Novel Drug Delivery Systems" comprises advanced studies and opinions reflecting the current momentum toward a deeper understanding and more effective treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.The essence of current breakthroughs is novel therapeutic agents that go beyond the conventional targets 6 . Disease-modifying therapies have started to be considered with monoclonal antibodies as aducanumab and lecanemab targeting amyloid-beta aggregates in Alzheimer's disease. Those agents, however, are just the tip of the iceberg. Natural products 7 , neurotrophic factors 8 , RNA-based therapies 9 , and small-molecule modulators 10 are all being explored, thus offering several strategies targeting diverse pathogenic mechanisms-from protein misfolding to mitochondrial dysfunction and neuroinflammation.The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is one of the most challenging and complex barriers studied in neuropharmacology; it selectively protects the brain from pathogens and molecules but prevents drug penetration. Drug delivery systems can be functionalized being able to bypass this barrier. Engineered Nanoparticles, and functionalized nanoparticles loaded with nucleic acids, liposomes, and peptide-based vectors 11 are developed to deliver therapeutic agents straight into the central nervous system, often with targeting ability.Non-invasive techniques like focused ultrasound (FUS), on the other hand, allow temporary and localized disruption of the BBB, allowing much greater delivery efficiency without compromising safety 12 . The vectors of gene therapy, especially those of AAV (adenoassociated viruses), are also being repurposed to carry therapeutic genes directly to brain regions affected 13 , offering promise for the long-term correction of genetic and proteinopathies.The efficacious treatment demands an early and precise diagnosis; improvised techniques in imaging, fluid biomarkers 14 , and nanotheranostics 15 are continuously bringing into possibility the detection of neurodegenerative changes prior to the manifestation of clinical symptoms. These tools can be applied to observe the responses of treatments, furthering patient stratification, and guiding adaptive therapeutic strategies.The papers contributed to this Research Topic have made a case for a major shift in neurodegenerative disease research-moving from reactive treatment to proactive, personalized intervention. Even so, various challenges remain; mass-scale production of novel therapies, regulatory issues, high development costs, and the examination of larger populations over longer periods of time in clinical studies.across disciplines are necessary-neuroscience, pharmacology, nanotechnology, genomics, and others. Regulatory bodies should closely monitor the innovations to ensure safe and timely translation from point of discovery to patient care.At present, neurodegenerative disease research is entering a transformative era! Molecules innovation, improved delivery technology, and diagnostic advances can be utilized for the management of these devastating disorders. We hope that the publications of this top can contribute slightly tribute to present and future investigations. Scientists from various disciplines working together and continuing to innovate, can fulfill a world where neurodegeneration no longer remains a death sentence but a manageable condition, and why not-a preventable one.