The Brazilian Brain Institute (Instituto Brasileiro de Neurociências - IBN) is a leading neuroscience research institute and academic spin-out based in São Paulo, Brazil. Founded as a spin-off from the University of São Paulo, IBN focuses on developing novel therapies for neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and stroke. The institute combines basic research with clinical translation, emphasizing stem cell therapy, neurotrophic factors, and gene therapy approaches.
| Attribute |
Details |
| Headquarters |
São Paulo, Brazil |
| Founded |
2012 |
| Type |
Research institute / Academic spin-out |
| Focus |
Neuroscience, neurodegenerative disease |
| Affiliation |
University of São Paulo |
IBN conducts extensive AD research:
- Stem cell therapy: Mesenchymal and neural stem cells
- Neurotrophic factors: BDNF, GDNF delivery
- Neuroinflammation: Microglia modulation
- Gene therapy: AAV-based approaches
The institute has a strong PD program:
- Cell replacement: Dopaminergic neuron transplantation
- Neuroprotection: Small molecule and protein therapeutics
- Biomarkers: Diagnostic and prognostic markers
- Clinical trials: Early-phase clinical studies
¶ Stroke and Neuroprotection
IBN also focuses on:
- Acute neuroprotection: Limiting damage after stroke
- Recovery: Promoting neural regeneration
- Rehabilitation: Combining therapy approaches
IBN's stem cell platform includes:
- Mesenchymal stem cells: Immunomodulation and trophic support
- Neural stem cells: Cell replacement strategies
- Induced pluripotent stem cells: Patient-specific disease modeling
The institute develops protein therapeutics:
- BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor): Synaptic plasticity
- GDNF (Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor): Dopaminergic protection
- Delivery systems: AAV vectors, engineered proteins
IBN's gene therapy program:
- AAV vectors: CNS-targeted delivery
- Gene editing: CRISPR-based approaches
- Target genes: Neuroprotective and disease-modifying targets
| Program |
Approach |
Indication |
Stage |
| IBN-ST-001 |
MSC therapy |
Alzheimer's |
Phase 1 |
| IBN-ST-002 |
Neural stem cells |
Parkinson's |
Phase 1/2 |
| IBN-GT-001 |
AAV-GDNF |
Parkinson's |
Preclinical |
IBN maintains collaborations with:
- University of São Paulo: Basic research partnership
- Harvard Medical School: International research
- Karolinska Institute: European collaboration
- Industry partners: Pharmaceutical companies
The institute has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals on:
- Stem cell therapy mechanisms
- Neurotrophic factor biology
- Preclinical models of neurodegeneration
- Early clinical results
¶ Training and Education
IBN contributes to neuroscience training:
- Graduate programs
- Postdoctoral training
- Clinical fellow education