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Neuroscience


Neuroscience

Janssen’s history is closely tied to neuroscience. The very first medication developed by Dr Paul Janssen, our company founder, was for the treatment of schizophrenia. It set us on a path of discovery and development.


Dominia Diloreto, Atomic Forest Artwork from the National Art Exhibitions of the Mentally Ill, Inc (NAEMI)

But science is only part of the story.

You’re not alone: one in five of us will be affected by a mental health disorder in our lifetime1. For those affected and their loved ones, the impact of mental illness is often vast.

We are determined to continue increasing our understanding of mental illness to reduce the disability and devastation caused by serious neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases.

Our mission is to develop new solutions to improve and transform the lives of people living with mental illness.

We are committed to improving the way in which mental health disorders are diagnosed and treated to change the lives of people living with mental illness.


Depression

Approximately 8% of Canadian adults will experience major depression at some time in their lives. It’s the leading cause of disability worldwide with high unmet need.

Achieving response and remission with treatment in major depressive disorder (MDD) requires time and effort, prolonging patient suffering. Treatment has changed very little over 30 years.

We’re using emerging science to develop novel therapies for the treatment of severe mood disorders.
 

Cliff Enright, Sunburst Artwork from The Creative Center at University Settlement
Schizophrenia

Approximately 1% of Canadians are affected by schizophrenia, a treatable yet complex mental illness that affects how a person thinks, feels, behaves and relates to others. It is believed to be caused by a combination of biological and environmental factors that contribute to its development.2

Schizophrenia includes “positive” and “negative” symptoms of psychosis, as well as cognitive symptoms.3

At Janssen, we’ve led the way in developing treatments to allow patients to live well with schizophrenia.

Innovation is at our core as we work on finding new ways to reduce the burden of disease for those affected by mental illness.

Janssen researchers are exploring the emerging science in neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory disorders, including synaptic plasticity and cellular resilience. We’re also seeking to use breakthrough technologies in imaging, genomics and associated biomarkers.
 

 
1. Mental Health Commission: Strengthening the Case for Investing Backgrounder. Link accessed May 17th, 2021
2. Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH): Schizophrenia link
3. CAMH: Psychosis link