Direct comparisons of CNS directed therapies are needed

The review by Harbaugh describes new methods for delivering drugs to the diseases and damaged central nervous system. The potential of these methods, infusible pumps, implantable polymers, and neural transplants, is truly extraordinary. One can anticipate that many neurological disorders may be treated by these methods. Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and other degenerative disorders are likely candidates. The question arises of how to rationally sort out the various claims as to which procedures and which approaches are the most effective and beneficial. As a first step, the relative risks as well as the benefits of these different drug delivery systems should be assessed by direct comparisons in the same animal model systems using objective criteria for evaluation. These comparisons would be best achieved by cooperative studies between the groups developing these techniques.