Pierre Brunschwig, MD & Cristi Clark, RN
We are excited to introduce a new therapy at Helios designed to support brain and nervous system health. It’s a combination of intravenous (IV) N-acetylcysteine (NAC), paired with an advanced oral version called NAC ethyl ester (NACET). Together these treatments provide the raw building blocks needed for the brain to produce glutathione, which calms inflammation.
This treatment offers targeted support for patients navigating complex conditions, including:
Parkinson’s disease
Multiple sclerosis (MS)
Post-stroke recovery
Lingering viral issues (such as reactivated Epstein-Barr virus)
Neuro-Long COVID
The Brain's Natural Shield (Why Direct Delivery Falls Short)
For nearly 30 years, we have used IV glutathione to calm systemic inflammation and cellular stress throughout the body. While glutathione is the body’s master antioxidant, it faces a major roadblock when it comes to the brain: the blood-brain barrier.
This protective filter keeps intact glutathione molecules from crossing over into brain tissue. Because the brain cannot easily absorb whole glutathione from the bloodstream, it has to build its own from the inside out using three amino acids: glutamate (glutamic acid), cysteine, and glycine.
The missing puzzle piece is almost always cysteine—the primary raw material needed to manufacture glutathione.
How IV NAC Bridges the Gap
Instead of trying to force intact glutathione across the brain's natural filter, NAC delivers the exact raw building block (cysteine) the brain needs to make its own:
Crosses the barrier easily: NAC readily passes into the brain where it is converted directly into protective glutathione.
Decades of safe use: IV NAC isn't an unproven compound; standard medicine has relied on it safely in hospitals for over 50 years to treat acetaminophen toxicity.
What Recent Studies Show
Emerging research highlights encouraging results when combining weekly IV infusions with daily oral support:
Parkinson’s Disease: Clinical trials show noticeable symptom improvements and increased dopamine activity on brain scans—suggesting it may help protect vital brain cells over time.
Multiple Sclerosis: Patients in clinical studies showed improved brain energy metabolism on PET scans, alongside measurable gains in focus, memory, and cognitive processing speed.
Well-Tolerated: Across these studies, patients experienced the therapy comfortably with no significant side effects.
Everyday Protection: Upgrading to NAC Ethyl Ester (NACET)
Regular oral NAC supplements break down heavily in the digestive tract and liver before reaching the brain.
To give you effective, lasting protection between IV sessions, Helios now offers NAC ethyl ester (NACET). This enhanced formulation allows the molecule to slip easily through cell membranes and into neural tissue, providing a steady supply of cellular protection right where your brain needs it most.
Neurological Support Protocols at Helios
If you or a loved one are managing a chronic neurological condition and would like to learn more about our IV NAC infusions and oral ester NACET protocols, please contact our office at 303-499-9442 to schedule a consultation.
Article References:
DA Monti, et al., “N-Acetyl Cysteine Is Associated With Dopaminergic Improvement in Parkinson’s Disease,” Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics. DOI: 10.1002/cpt.1548, 2019
N-acetyl Cysteine Administration Is Associated With Increased Cerebral Glucose Metabolism in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis: An Exploratory Study Daniel A. Monti 1 , George Zabrecky 1 , Thomas P. Leist 2 , Nancy Wintering1 , Anthony J. Bazzan1 , Tingting Zhan3 and Andrew B. Newberg1,4 *
Cristi Clark is a registered nurse with 30 years of experience in pediatric & infusion nursing. She is known for her expert IV placement skills, making even the most “challenging sticks" comfortable for patients. Cristi collaborates with the medical team to provide personalized care to every patient.
