"One Mind" to link research and speed up a cure

Brain disorders of all varieties are increasing worldwide. It is more important than ever that various research branches work together and share information in order to achieve faster and better cures and treatments. Toward that end, Janssen Pharmaceuticals has announced the launch of an initiative referred to as “Health Minds” which aims to speed up the process for fighting brain disorders. They are funding $3 million of the project and hope for matching funds and other contributions to the nonprofit International Mental Health research Organization (IMHRO). IMHRO currently supports “One Mind for Research” an initiative supporting education and awareness-building to fight stigma associated with brain disorder.

The aim of the private-sector/non-profit collaboration is to create collaborative neuroscience networks and data-sharing programs enhancing basic discovery and speeding clinical translation. Janssen will develop research programs, increase data sharing among scientists and physicians who focus on brain study, and improve the understanding of molecular and cellular origins of mental and neurological disorders.

The target of “One Mind” is to de-stigmatize mental-health conditions while “Healthy Minds” will encourage collaboration among biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and public-sector partners to speed up discovery of new therapeutic solutions for brain and mental health disease.

“Rapid advances in science and technology over the past decade provide us with an unprecedented opportunity and the tools needed to unlock the secrets of the brain, but the challenge is too great and the data too vast for any one entity to do it alone. A concerted and focused effort, including public-private partnerships, is needed to foster the development of new, transformational medicines and treatment paradigms,” said Husseini Manji, MD, Global Therapeutic Area Head for Neuroscience, Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research & Development.

Source: Janssen Pharmaceuticals, MedicalNewsToday