Value of Animal Models for Predicting CNS Therapeutic Action

The seeming discrepancy in results between studies of potential CNS therapeutics with novel mechanisms of action carried out in in vivo animal models during drug discovery and subsequent lack of clinical efficacy when tested humans has generated considerable disillusionment in the value of animal models for predicting CNS therapeutic action. Rather than lacking in value, however, it is argued that valid animal models provide valuable information at all stages of the drug discovery and development process without which it would be very unlikely to identify and progress any novel therapeutic to treat devastating psychiatric and neurological disorders. Closer interaction between preclinical and clinical investigators, moreover, is essential to identify common endpoints with which changes in human and animal behavior can be meaningfully compared.