As we dive into the forefront of brain health research, I’m thrilled to speak with Ivan Kairatov, a biopharma expert with extensive experience in technology and innovation within the industry. With a strong background in research and development, Ivan brings unique insights into the newly established Mohn Research Center for Neuroprotection, a pioneering initiative aimed at preventing Parkinson’s disease and related disorders. Our conversation today will explore the motivations behind this center, the urgency of addressing Parkinson’s as a global health challenge, and the innovative approaches— from sleep disorder studies to artificial intelligence—that could transform how we protect the brain.
Can you share what inspired the creation of the Mohn Research Center for Neuroprotection?
The inspiration for the Mohn Research Center came from a growing recognition that we need to shift our focus from treating brain diseases after they’ve caused damage to preventing them in the first place. Personally, I’ve seen the devastating impact of neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson’s in both clinical settings and through research, and it became clear that early intervention is our best shot at changing outcomes. The partnership with the Mohn Foundation, the University of Bergen, and Haukeland University Hospital was a natural fit—they share a vision for innovative, impactful research and brought together the resources and expertise needed to make this center a reality.
Why is Parkinson’s disease such a pressing issue for research at this moment?
Parkinson’s is currently the fastest-growing brain disease worldwide, affecting millions and placing a huge burden on individuals and societies. The aging population is a big factor, but we’re also seeing cases in younger people, which is alarming. The biggest challenge is that we still don’t have treatments to slow or stop its progression—current options only manage symptoms. That gap in care is why research into prevention and early detection, like what we’re doing at the center, is so critical right now.
Could you explain what REM sleep behavior disorder, or RBD, is and why it’s a key focus for your work?
REM sleep behavior disorder is a condition where people physically act out their dreams, often through movements or even vocalizations during sleep. It’s significant because many individuals with RBD show very early brain changes linked to Parkinson’s or related disorders like dementia with Lewy bodies. This makes RBD a unique window into the earliest stages of these diseases, allowing us to study how they start and test ways to intervene before serious damage occurs.
What is a national RBD cohort, and how do you see it shaping your research?
A national RBD cohort is essentially a large, organized group of individuals with RBD who participate in our studies. We’re working to build this cohort by collaborating with clinics and hospitals across the region to identify and recruit participants. This group will be a powerful platform for clinical research, helping us gather data on disease progression and test interventions. Globally, it could set a standard for similar studies, accelerating discoveries by providing a robust dataset for researchers everywhere.
Your center is emphasizing biomarkers. Can you break down what they are and why they’re so important?
Biomarkers are measurable indicators—think blood tests, brain scans, or even digital data like movement patterns—that can signal the presence or progression of a disease. At the center, we’re exploring molecular, imaging, and digital biomarkers to detect Parkinson’s and related disorders as early as possible. These tools are crucial because they allow us to monitor changes over time and measure whether treatments are working, paving the way for personalized and timely interventions.
What do you mean by “preventive trials,” and how will they play a role in your efforts?
Preventive trials are studies designed to test interventions in people who are at high risk for developing a disease like Parkinson’s, but before they show full symptoms. We’re planning to explore early interventions, such as lifestyle changes or potential drugs, to see if they can delay or even prevent the onset of disease. Success will be measured by tracking whether these interventions slow down brain changes or reduce the likelihood of developing clinical symptoms over time.
How is artificial intelligence being integrated into the research at the Mohn Research Center?
AI is a game-changer for us. We’re using it to analyze massive amounts of data—from sleep patterns to brain imaging—to identify subtle patterns that might indicate risk for Parkinson’s or other disorders long before symptoms appear. The goal is to uncover hidden signals that a human eye might miss, enabling us to predict who’s at risk and intervene much earlier than we can today.
What’s your vision for moving from reacting to brain damage to protecting the brain at an early stage?
My vision is to redefine how we approach brain health by focusing on protection rather than repair. In practical terms, this means identifying at-risk individuals years before symptoms start—through tools like biomarkers or AI—and offering interventions that safeguard brain cells from damage. It’s about creating a future where we don’t just manage decline, but actively preserve brain function for as long as possible.
What’s your forecast for the future of brain disease prevention over the next decade?
I’m optimistic that the next ten years will bring a revolution in brain disease prevention. With advancements in technology like AI, better biomarkers, and collaborative efforts like those at our center, I believe we’ll move closer to identifying risks early and stopping diseases like Parkinson’s before they fully develop. We’re on the cusp of a new era in brain medicine, where prevention becomes as important as treatment, and I think we’ll see real, tangible progress in reducing the global burden of these conditions.
