Titusville, NJ, August 5, 2014 – Janssen Research & Development, LLC, today launched the first in a series of online videos addressing key mental health topics and treatments for disorders of the brain. The five-video Healthy Minds series discusses progress made in brain research and treatment and offers insights for people living with mental illness, as well as those closest to them.
Featured in the video series is Dr. Husseini Manji, a psychiatrist and neuroscientist, and Global Therapeutic Area Head for Neuroscience at Janssen Research & Development. Throughout the series, Dr. Manji shares his expertise on brain health and disorders that affect the brain, discussing the prevalence, projected burden, societal impact, and new trends in research and treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, major depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The Healthy Minds video series is hosted by Emmy Award-winning broadcast journalist Vicki Mabrey.
Across the globe, approximately 450 million people suffer from a mental or neurological disorder, yet nearly 60 percent who have a known disorder never consult a doctor to better understand their mental health. Lack of awareness and stigma are frequently noted as the reasons those suffering do not seek help. The video series aims to assist in familiarizing these disorders with viewers and reducing the stigma associated with them.
“Brain disorders can be devastating for patients, families and society, and despite progress in research and new treatments, the biological nature of these illnesses and how to manage them often are not fully understood,” said Seema Kumar, Vice President, Enterprise Innovation, Public Affairs and Global Health Communication, Johnson & Johnson. “The Healthy Minds video series will help to expand education about brain disorders, and in turn, fight the stigma frequently related to them.”
The first video, A Discussion about Brain Health, is available today on the Johnson & Johnson YouTube channel and the J&J Corporate Blog. Subsequent videos in the series will be released on a monthly basis throughout the remainder of 2014:
- Bipolar Disorder – September
- Major Depressive Disorder – October
- Alzheimer’s Disease – November
- Schizophrenia - December
Janssen’s mental health video series is part of the company’s Healthy Minds initiative, dedicated to advancing neuroscience research, news and information regarding mental health. The video project serves as a platform to continue Janssen’s leadership and innovation in neuroscience, mental health education, public health and advocacy.
About Janssen Research & Development, LLC
At Janssen, we are dedicated to addressing and solving some of the most important unmet medical needs of our time in oncology, immunology, neuroscience, infectious diseases and vaccines, and cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Driven by our commitment to patients, we develop innovative products, services and healthcare solutions to help people throughout the world. Janssen Research & Development is part of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson. Please visit www.janssenrnd.com for more information.
About Janssen’s Healthy Minds Program
Janssen’s interests in integrated care for brain diseases have a direct connection to the Janssen Healthy Minds program, launched in 2011 to encourage collaboration among biotechnology, pharmaceutical and public-sector organizations to accelerate the discovery of new therapeutic solutions for neurologic and brain diseases. Healthy Minds builds on Janssen’s longstanding legacy of achievement in advancing neuroscience research. The company’s work in this area dates back to the 1950s, when Dr. Paul Janssen’s discovery and development work led to one of the first breakthrough treatments for schizophrenia. Janssen takes its name from “Dr. Paul,” who is known as one of the 20th century’s most gifted and passionate physicians and pharmaceutical researchers.
Over the last half century, Janssen has discovered, developed and launched many innovative treatments for brain and CNS conditions and remains firmly committed to neuroscience. Janssen supports public and professional education about mental illness and brain disorders, and funds sponsorships and philanthropy in the field of neuroscience and mental health.
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Contact:
Greg Panico
Janssen Research & Development, LLC
(609) 730-3061
GPanico1@its.jnj.com