Stroke is one of the most devastating health conditions worldwide, ranking as the second leading cause of death and the leading cause of acquired disability in adults. Every year, 15 million people suffer a stroke, with 5.5 million deaths and 5 million left with permanent disabilities. Ischaemic stroke, which accounts for 80 % of cases, occurs when a blood clot blocks the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the brain. This interruption causes brain cells to die, leading to irreversible damage. The numbers are particularly concerning in countries with fewer resources, where the lack of specialized care and rehabilitation services means that many stroke survivors never regain their full independence.
Current treatments can remove the clot but can’t restore the brain cells that have already been lost, leading to long-term disabilities such as paralysis, speech issues, and cognitive decline. The burden is not only personal but also social and economic. Families often take on the role of caregivers, facing emotional and financial strain as they support their loved ones. And for most, the lack of effective long-term rehabilitation means that their recovery is incomplete.
In this context, a group of students from the University of Barcelona, under the guidance of Dr. Daniel Tornero, is researching Reneurish, an experimental approach based on cellular therapy that aims to support brain recovery after ischaemic stroke. Reneurish uses neural progenitor cells (NPCs)—cells capable of growing into various types of brain cells. These cells are engineered to produce proteins that support the growth and survival of brain cells. The goal is to transplant these cells into the damaged brain areas to explore their potential in promoting tissue repair and functional improvement, enhancing the chances of a successful recovery.
What sets Reneurish apart is its focus on regeneration and neuroprotection—not just the replacement of lost cells but the creation of an environment for cell integration and new growth. Preliminary laboratory studies have indicated potential for influencing neural activity and recovery mechanisms, but significant research is still required to assess its effectiveness and safety.
Beyond stroke, the underlying principles of Reneurish could have implications for other neurodegenerative conditions, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, where brain cell regeneration is a key challenge. However, further studies are necessary before determining its possible applications in these contexts.
As stroke incidence is expected to rise in the next decades, the need for innovative and effective treatments is more urgent than ever. While Reneurish is still in an early stage of development, its research contributes to the broader effort of exploring potential new approaches in stroke rehabilitation. Whether it can one day become a viable treatment option remains to be seen, but ongoing studies will help determine its feasibility and future role in the field of neuroscience.
Biomedical Sciences student at the University of Barcelona, member of iGEM UB since 2022, and entrepreneurial leader of Reneurish. Currently a visiting student at the University of Cambridge.