PhRMA: 313 mental disorder treatments are in development

WASHINGTON More than 300 medications for treating mental disorders are in development, according to a new report by a pharmaceutical industry lobbying group.

The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America released the report, timed to coincide with National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, showing 313 new drugs in development. These include 71 for depression and 54 for schizophrenia, as well as drugs for autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. In addition, nearly one-third are in development for treating various forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease.

“Tackling various types of dementia, which rob so many people of their independence and even their own identity, is a high priority for our innovative companies,” PhRMA SVP Ken Johnson said. “Scientists and other researchers are using cutting-edge technology to develop therapies to delay or even reverse the ravages of dementia.”