Making treatments truly reach the brain - Scientific interview - Prof. Anne Des Rieux

Introduction

Anne Des Rieux is a professor of nanomedicine specialising in drug delivery. Her work aims to solve a central challenge in multiple sclerosis: helping promising molecules reach the central nervous system effectively.

What led you to work on multiple sclerosis?

There are two sides to it. First a scientific one: during a stay in Edinburgh, I wanted to build my skills in neurobiology. Working with a specialist in the field, I realised there were few drug delivery solutions for multiple sclerosis.

And then there is a personal side. Someone close in my family had the disease. That shaped my thinking and made this work even more meaningful to me.

How do you stay motivated in such a demanding field?

Motivation does not rest on a single factor. There is the intellectual challenge, training young people, and above all the wish to move things forward, however modestly.

I don't do purely fundamental research: I need to keep the patient in mind. Even if we are still far from it, the patient remains the reference point.

What does your research involve, concretely?

Many molecules have therapeutic potential but cannot be used as they are: they are not stable, they don't cross certain barriers, or they don't reach the brain.

Our role is to develop systems to carry them effectively.

It is a bit like galenic pharmacy: a molecule can be effective yet unusable without a suitable form. We apply that principle to more advanced technologies, such as nanoparticles.

Can you explain one of your studies simply?

We worked on a molecule that could reduce inflammation in the brain but could not reach it on its own.

So we used nanoparticles (small parcels) to carry and protect it.

The idea is to bring that molecule to the right place to calm the inflammation and limit damage to nerve cells.

What role does the Charcot Foundation play in your research?

The first funding I received in 2016 was decisive. It let me start on this topic and obtain early results.

This kind of support is key to launching projects and then reaching other sources of funding.

The strength of the Charcot Foundation is also its clarity: you understand right away what the money is for, and you see the effects.

Do you have a striking anecdote from this journey?

Yes. When I received my first funding, I was coming back from Edinburgh and developed sepsis. I spent a week in intensive care and a month in hospital.

I insisted on being able to leave in time for the ceremony. I was discharged the day before and attended it the next day, even though I was not in great shape.

It mattered to me. It created a special bond with the Foundation.

What would you say to donors?

Their support has a direct, concrete impact. It funds specific projects with visible results.

This disease is still relatively underfunded, yet it affects young, active people. Every contribution can genuinely move research forward.