Nasal Spray Rejuvenates the Brain: A New Approach to Combating Aging

They developed a nasal spray containing extracellular vesicles (EVs) — tiny particles released by human neural stem cells. These vesicles carry signaling molecules, proteins, and RNA capable of restoring brain function.

In the experiment, aged mice (equivalent to 70–80 years in humans) received the spray only twice. Within a few weeks, the animals showed significant improvements: neuroinflammation decreased, energy metabolism in brain cells was restored, and memory and learning performance improved. The positive effects lasted for several months after administration.

“We observed that extracellular vesicles are able to modulate several brain aging processes simultaneously,” the authors noted.

The advantage of the nasal spray is that it delivers active substances directly to the brain, bypassing the blood-brain barrier. The method is noninvasive and relatively simple.

So far, the study has been conducted only in mice. Before clinical trials in humans can begin, safety and efficacy stages still need to be completed. Nevertheless, the results are considered promising for the development of new approaches to slowing age-related brain changes and treating neurodegenerative diseases. The work was published in the Journal of Extracellular Vesicles.

Sources: Ashok K. Shetty et al. Neural stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles delivered intranasally rejuvenate the aged brain. Journal of Extracellular Vesicles, 2026.