CNS/Neurology

Neurology and the CNS is the branch of science dealing with anatomy, function, diagnosis and treatment of disorders and disease affecting the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). Neuroscience medicine includes but is not limited to the study and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, major depressive disorder, schizophrenia, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy/seizures, migraine, insomnia/sleep disorders, bipolar disorder, and ADHD.

A neurologist is a medical doctor that specializes in the diagnosis, treatment and management of illnesses affecting the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system. Neurologists must complete at least three years of specialized training in neurology, after completing medical school. A neurosurgeon must go through much more extensive and rigorous schooling and training. On top of diagnosing and treating neurological disorders, neurosurgeons can also perform surgery on the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.

Pharmaceuticals in CNS/Neurology are one of leading fields in medicine in terms of funding and research. On top of growing patient numbers, there remains a comparatively high unmet need in treatment of many neurological diseases. With the potential of being one of the most lucrative therapy areas in the future pharmaceutical Industry, Alzheimer's disease offers the greatest commercial opportunity for pharmaceutical companies in neurology. Many of the therapeutic drugs used to treat CNS/Neurological disorders have lost their patent protection or market exclusivity, leading to greater research and market opportunities for competing pharmaceutical and medical device companies. Despite the widespread use of CNS drugs, knowledge of these agents is limited due to the anatomic and neurochemical complexity of the brain and spinal cord.