How can early-stage R&D efforts be positioned to tap the remaining opportunity in the neurology
drug market? Although brimming with potential, neurology drug development is also rife with unique
challenges that many companies and agents have been unable to overcome, as witnessed by the failures
of agents initially deemed highly promising. However, careful planning—including risk mitigation
through strategic collaboration—can allow a drug developer to take advantage of the significant
opportunity in this market.
Questions Answered in This Report
Although therapies are available for neurological disorders, most of these conditions remain undertreated,
and no cures are available. What benefits do novel therapies have over existing treatment
options? How can companies mitigate the risk associated with drug development?
Much of the innovation in drug discovery and design occurs in small companies. What companies
are developing novel approaches to treat neurological diseases? What collaborations have they
forged with Big Pharma?
The neurology market is entering a period of stagnation. What is currently driving market
growth? What are the greatest needs in the treatment of neurological diseases?
Scope
Novel targets for neurology: Beta-amyloid, beta-secretase, tau protein, NMDA, nicotinic
acetylcholinesterase receptor, HMG-CoA reductase.
Novel technologies for neurology: Deep-brain stimulation, stem cell therapy.
Focus on diseases with neuronal degradation as a primary symptom: Alzheimer’s disease
(AD), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s disease
(PD), Huntington’s disease (HD), ALS and other motor neuron diseases.
Company profiles: Lundbeck, CoMentis, Targacept, Vitae Pharmaceuticals.
Outlook: Challenges in drug development, recent dealmaking, need for increased research,
benefits of academic collaborations.
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