A mind for precompetitive collaboration

Although some pharmas are cutting back on internal neuroscience R&D programs, the number of precompetitive consortia backed by industry has continued to rise, with the latest two launching within the last two months. Most initiatives are focused on developing better disease models and discovering new biomarkers-the challenge going forward will be to push the boundaries of the precompetitive space to advance the discovery of new disease-modifying targets and mechanisms.

At least three pharmaceutical companies have publicly disclosed major cuts or reorganizations of their neuroscience R&D programs in the last two years. In February 2010, GlaxoSmithKline plc announced plans to eliminate discovery research in pain and depression. In March 2010, AstraZeneca plc ceased research in schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression and anxiety.¹...