Millions of people worldwide are affected by brain disorders. Janssen Pharmaceutical Inc. (“Janssen”) announced the launch of a comprehensive initiative called Healthy Minds to speed up progress in the fight against brain disorders. Janssen Pharmaceuticals Inc. is making a substantial new commitment of $3 million in direct and challenge contributions to the International Mental Health Research Organization (IMHRO), a nonprofit organization that aims to improve people’s health and functioning for those suffering from brain or central nervous system disorders. IMHORO supports One Mind for Research, an IMHRO program supporting neuroscience research, education, and awareness-building programs, that was started by former U.S. Congressman Patrick Kennedy and Garen Staglin, Vice President, Board of Directors, IMHRO.
Through their new initiative, Janssen will become the first private-sector partner to support the One Mind for Research program with $2 million contributions in cash to IMHRO and $1 million in matching funds for donations raised by IMHRO for the One Mind for Research program from other private-sector partners. The program aims to create collaborative neuroscience networks and data-sharing programs enhancing basic discovery and speeding clinical translation.
Janssen intends to take on an active role in the program, by developing research programs, increase data sharing amongst scientists and physicians who focus on the brain or central nervous system, and to improve and better understand the molecular and cellular origins of mental and neurological disorders, thus helping to tackle the stigma attached for people affected by brain diseases.
One Mind for Research’s target is to de-stigmatize mental-health conditions and gain a better understanding of their molecular and cellular origins, whilst Healthy Minds seeks to encourage collaboration among biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and public-sector partners to speed up the discovery of new therapeutic solutions for brain disease.
Sheri McCoy, Vice Chairman, Executive Committee, Johnson & Johnson explains:
“Brain disorders are one of the most challenging areas of scientific research. Despite great progress in advancing new treatments, the brain remains a medical mystery and millions of people continue to suffer from Alzheimer’s disease, depression, post traumatic stress disorder, neurological conditions, and many other debilitating and life threatening brain diseases.”
Husseini K. Manji, M.D., Global Therapeutic Area Head for Neuroscience, Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research & Development, L.L.C. adds:
“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.
Building on our heritage and capabilities in neuroscience and our culture of networked innovation, we are proud of the Healthy Minds initiative. We are pleased to support the One Mind for Research efforts to get to the next frontier of neuroscience and support improved health of millions of people who suffer from brain disorders.”
Healthy Minds is built on Janssen’s longstanding experience dating back to the 1950s as well as the company’s achievement in advancing neuroscience research, such as Dr. Paul Janssen’s discovery and development of one of the first breakthrough treatments for schizophrenia. Dr Janssen, after whom the company is named, established himself as one of the 20th century’s most talented and passionate physicians and pharmaceutical researchers. He remains strongly committed to neuroscience and has since discovered, developed and launched numerous new treatments for brain and central nervous system conditions. Each year, Janssen commits over $12 million to causes regarding brain disorders and mental illness, such as public and professional education, sponsorships and philanthropy in neuroscience and mental health. The company’s contribution to IMHRO underlines Janssen’s ongoing commitment in neuroscience research and development.
Former U.S. Congressman Patrick Kennedy declared:
“Janssen is leading the way with its partnerships in developing scientific and public health solutions in the fight against brain disorders. We are pleased to welcome them as a key private-sector partner in driving forward important R&D and awareness-building initiatives. This support will lead to a fundamental understanding of the human brain, what causes brain disorders, and how they can be treated and cured.”
Written by Petra Rattue