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Published on: February 11, 2019
Preclinical research into cognition enhancers
1Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, 4032 East Hall, 530 Church Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1043, USA. msarter@umich.edu
Trends in Pharmacological Sciences
|September 26, 2006
Summary
Developing drugs for cognitive disorders is challenging. Preclinical tests often fail to predict human efficacy, necessitating research into molecular, cellular, and behavioral interactions for better drug discovery.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Preclinical drug development for neuropsychiatric and neurological disorders faces significant challenges.
- Current preclinical methods for predicting cognition enhancement in humans have limited validity.
- Conventional screening for broadly active compounds is an suboptimal strategy for discovering cognition enhancers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conceptualize the evidence required to enhance the predictive validity of preclinical research for cognition enhancers.
- To propose an integrated approach investigating reciprocal relationships between molecular, cellular, behavioral, and cognitive processes.
- To guide the development of more effective strategies for discovering and characterizing drugs targeting cognitive impairments.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis of existing preclinical research strategies.
- Emphasis on investigating reciprocal relationships modulated by candidate drugs.
- Advocating for iterative preclinical-clinical cross-validation of research approaches.
Main Results:
- Limited validity of current preclinical predictions highlights the need for improved research strategies.
- Investigating the interplay of molecular, cellular, behavioral, and cognitive processes is crucial.
- Simple, high-throughput screening may be useful only in advanced programs guided by neurocognitive evidence.
Conclusions:
- A fundamental shift towards integrated biopsychological research is needed for preclinical drug discovery.
- Focusing on the modulation of neurocognitive relationships by cognition enhancers is key.
- Iterative cross-validation between preclinical and clinical studies will improve drug development for cognitive disorders.
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