And if the discovery of new drugs for the treatment of brain diseases depends on Asian countries?

Abstract

At the present time, developed countries are making a huge financial effort to support neuroscience research programs, particularly in the fields of advanced research and treatment of brain diseases and mental disorders. A part of this financial support is devoted to drug discovery programs. The purpose of this communication is to focus on the different parameters (economic, social, and scientific) allowing for the prominent belief that the discovery of new efficient drugs to treat brain disease to an increasing extent is likely to emanate from the Asian countries. A special focus on drug research and discovery in France reveals that, due to the current social context, the lack of small pharmaceutical ventures, the Mediator drug scandal, and the economic situation, the potential for discovering and developing new drugs is dramatically declining.

• brain diseases
• drug discovery
• Asian countries
• precautionary principle

Acknowledgements

URMA association (Unis pour la recherché sur la maladie d’Alzheimer, Mrs Pavone) and IBDM and CNRS are greatly acknowledged for financial support. Thanks to P. Blum for manuscript preparation.