Innovative solutions to novel drug development in mental health

Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2013 Dec;37(10 Pt 1):2438-44. doi: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2013.03.022. Epub 2013 Apr 3.

Abstract

There are many new advances in neuroscience and mental health which should lead to a greater understanding of the neurobiological dysfunction in neuropsychiatric disorders and new developments for early, effective treatments. To do this, a biomarker approach combining genetic, neuroimaging, cognitive and other biological measures is needed. The aim of this article is to highlight novel approaches for pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment development. This article suggests approaches that can be taken in the future including novel mechanisms with preliminary clinical validation to provide a toolbox for mechanistic studies and also examples of translation and back-translation. The review also emphasizes the need for clinician-scientists to be trained in a novel way in order to equip them with the conceptual and experimental techniques required, and emphasizes the need for private-public partnership and pre-competitive knowledge exchange. This should lead the way for important new holistic treatment developments to improve cognition, functional outcome and well-being of people with neuropsychiatric disorders.

Keywords: Back-translation; Biomarkers; Cognitive and psychosocial treatments; Neurobiological mechanisms; Neuropsychiatric disorders; Novel drug development; Pharmacological tool box; Translation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biomarkers
  • Brain / drug effects
  • Brain / growth & development
  • Drug Discovery / methods*
  • Early Medical Intervention / methods
  • Humans
  • Mental Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy / methods
  • Research Support as Topic

Substances

  • Biomarkers