301 ways to blow your mind

A record 301 new medicines are being developed for mental illnesses in the United States, according to a report released a few days ago.

Wow. A record. Neat, especially as the Olympics are around the corner and records are metaphors for human excellence.

According to the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) who issued the report:

66 of these new medicines will try to lift depression;
26 will target addictions;
54 will hone in on anxiety disorders;
89 will lock horns with dementia; and
45 will try to soothe schizophrenia.

Adds a PhRMA spokesman: “These medicines are either in clinical trials or awaiting review by the US Food and Drug Administration, and they will help patients live longer, happier, and healthier lives. It’s important for patients and healthcare providers to know that research into mental illness remains a top priority.”

Top priority. Thank God.

Why all these drugs, you might ask. Who needs them? So, so many. According to PhRMA, mental illness now affects nearly 60-million Americans, and anxiety or mood disorder has been increasing by 30% and more. Eish.

Once you’ve made all these drugs, how do you get people to take them? What a dumb question. PhRMA explains: “Help is available to patients in need through the Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA), a programme sponsored by America’s pharmaceutical research companies. To date, the PPA has helped more than five million patients nationwide. Since its launch in April 2005, the PPA bus tour has visited all 50 states and more than 2 000 cities.”

Am I fucking crazy or is this not just insane?

To read the report, Medicines in Development for Mental Illnesses, go to: www.phrma.org.