Question: A pharmacologist is testing combinations of 3 neuroprotective drugs, 2 anti-inflammatory agents, and 1 cognitive enhancer from a pool of 6 neuroprotective, 5 anti-inflammatory, and 4 cognitive drugs. How many distinct treatment combinations can be formed if the order of selection does not matter?

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 15:23:14 +0000

**How Pharmacologists Are Building Next-Gen Neurotherapies—One Combination at a Time** In a growing biohealth landscape, researchers are exploring multi-drug regimens to target complex brain conditions like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and neuroinflammatory disorders. These combinatorial approaches often involve balancing distinct drug classes: neuroprotective agents to shield neurons, anti-inflammatory compounds to reduce brain inflammation, and cognitive enhancers to boost mental performance. With the U.S. FDA increasingly interested in polypharmacy for neurological resilience, understanding how these combinations are designed has become essential for professionals and informed readers. A key question rising in early-stage research circles: How many distinct treatment combinations can be created when selecting 3 neuroprotective drugs from 6, 2 anti-inflammatory agents from 5, and 1 cognitive enhancer from 4—without regard to selection order? This isn’t fictional speculation; it’s a fundamental calculation shaping experimental trial design. The math behind the answer reveals both the complexity and precision needed in modern drug discovery. ---