Titusville, NJ (November 10, 2011) Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson (“Janssen”) today announced the launch of Healthy Minds, a comprehensive initiative to accelerate progress in the fight against brain disorders that affect millions of people around the world. Healthy Minds includes a significant new commitment by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. of $3 million in direct and challenge contributions to the International Mental Health Research Organization (IMHRO) (www.imhro.org), to support One Mind for Research (1mind4research.org), a program of IMHRO that fosters neuroscience research, education, and awareness-building programs.
As part of the Healthy Minds efforts, Janssen will become the first private-sector partner to support the One Mind for Research program, which was started by former U.S. Congressman Patrick Kennedy and Garen Staglin, Vice President, Board of Directors, IMHRO. Janssen will contribute $2 million in cash to IMHRO for the One Mind for Research program and $1 million in matching funds for donations raised by IMHRO for the One Mind for Research program from other private-sector partners. Janssen plans to participate in the program’s efforts to create collaborative neuroscience networks and data-sharing programs that enhance basic discovery and speed clinical translation.
Janssen plans to work with One Mind for Research to develop research programs, expand data sharing among scientists and physicians focused on the brain or central nervous system, break down barriers to understanding the molecular and cellular origins of mental and neurologic disorders, and help combat the stigma faced by those affected by brain diseases.
The goal of One Mind for Research is to help to de-stigmatize mental-health conditions and improve understanding of their molecular and cellular origins. IMHRO is a nonprofit organization that seeks to improve the health and functioning of people who suffer from brain or central nervous system disorders. Healthy Minds also aims to encourage collaboration among biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and public-sector partners to accelerate the discovery of new therapeutic solutions for brain disease.
“Brain disorders are one of the most challenging areas of scientific research,” said Sheri McCoy, Vice Chairman, Executive Committee, Johnson & Johnson. “Despite great progress in advancing new treatments, the brain remains a medical mystery and millions of people continue to suffer from Alzheimer’s disease, depression, post traumatic stress disorder, neurologic conditions, and many other debilitating and life threatening brain diseases.”
“Rapid advances in science and technology over the past decade provide us with an unprecedented opportunity and the tools needed to unlock the secrets of the brain, but the challenge is too great and the data too vast for any one entity to do it alone,” said Husseini K. Manji, M.D., Global Therapeutic Area Head for Neuroscience, Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research & Development, L.L.C. “A concerted and focused effort, including public-private partnerships, is needed to foster the development of new, transformational medicines and treatment paradigms. Building on our heritage and capabilities in neuroscience and our culture of networked innovation, we are proud of the Healthy Minds initiative. We are pleased to support the One Mind for Research efforts to get to the next frontier of neuroscience and support improved health of millions of people who suffer from brain disorders.”
The Healthy Minds initiative builds on Janssen’s longstanding legacy of achievement in advancing neuroscience research. The company’s work in this area dates back to the 1950s and the discovery and development by Dr. Paul Janssen of one of the first breakthrough treatments for schizophrenia. Paul Janssen is known as one of the 20th century’s most gifted and passionate physicians and pharmaceutical researchers and is the namesake of Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Since then, Janssen has discovered, developed, and launched many innovative treatments for brain and central nervous system conditions and remained firmly committed to neuroscience. Janssen commits more than $12 million annually to public and professional education about mental illness and brain disorders, and sponsorships and philanthropy in the field of neuroscience and mental health. Janssen’s contribution to IMHRO is confirmation of Janssen’s continued commitment in neuroscience research and development.
“Janssen is leading the way with its partnerships in developing scientific and public health solutions in the fight against brain disorders,” said former U.S. Congressman Patrick Kennedy. “We are pleased to welcome them as a key private-sector partner in driving forward important R&D and awareness-building initiatives. This support will lead to a fundamental understanding of the human brain, what causes brain disorders, and how they can be treated and cured.”
About Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is dedicated to addressing and resolving the major unmet medical needs of our time. Driven by our commitment to patients, healthcare professionals, and caregivers, we strive to develop sustainable and integrated healthcare solutions by working in partnership with all stakeholders on the basis of trust and transparency. Our daily work is guided by meeting goals of excellence in quality, innovation, safety, and efficacy in order to advance patient care.
For more information on Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., visit us at www.janssenpharmaceuticalsinc.com, or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/JanssenUS.
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Media Contacts:
Greg Panico
Janssen Global Services, LLC
609-730-3061 (office)
Seema Kumar
Janssen Global Services, LLC
908-218-6460 (office)