Unlocking Medical Miracles: Explore basic research that goes into treating diseases
- Eva Maciejewski · (202) 967-8305 · emaciejewski@fbresearch.org
Unlocking Medical Miracles: Explore basic research that goes into treating diseases
FBR Launches Disease Specific Article Series
WASHINGTON — The Foundation for Biomedical Research kicked off an article series Thursday about how research with animals helps scientists better understand and find treatments for specific diseases.
The first article in the series “Animal Research: Unlocking Medical Miracles” highlights research that could help ease debilitating consequences of depression and anxiety for millions of people worldwide.
“Animal research is a key step in medical discovery. We launched this article series in collaboration with scientists to explain basic research breakthroughs and behind-the-scenes facts about science and research to improve lives of the sick,” FBR President Matthew R. Bailey said. “Basic research with animal models is helping carve a way toward better treatments and a better future for patients living with depression, Parkinson’s and illnesses of all kinds.”
“Research Sheds Light on Treating Depression, Anxiety,” published Thursday in collaboration with National Eye Institute distinguished investigator emeritus Robert H. Wurtz, explores the main research concepts behind emerging therapies for depression and different types of anxiety disorders. It is based on the findings presented in a peer-reviewed paper in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
New therapies are needed for treatment-resistant individuals left with persistent depression and anxiety that interfere with daily life. However, there is a lack of knowledge of the brain areas related to these mental health disorders.
Deep brain stimulation, which requires brain surgery, is Food and Drug Administration approved for treating conditions including Parkinson’s disease and severe epilepsy. Medical research with monkeys also shows promise for using this procedure for treating chronic depression and anxiety.
“Basic research with animals unlocks medical mysteries and advanced treatment options for patients around the globe. For treatment resistant patients, the development of new treatments represents hope,” said neuroscientist Wurtz, PhD. “In the first and second series articles, I’ve helped FBR break down complex scientific concepts into easily digestible pieces of information about lifechanging outcomes resulting from groundbreaking scientific efforts in laboratories.”
Up next in the series is an article that delves into the science behind deep brain stimulation as a treatment for Parkinson’s.
Read more at FBResearch.org/Unlocking-Miracles.
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About FBR:
The Foundation for Biomedical Research (FBR) is America’s most experienced, trusted and effective nonprofit dedicated to improving human and animal health by promoting public understanding and support for biomedical research. Together with the National Association for Biomedical Research (NABR), FBR illuminates the essential role animal testing and research plays in changing health outcomes and defeating illnesses affecting both people and animals. FBR was established in 1981 and is headquartered in Washington, D.C. Learn more by visiting www.fbresearch.org.
Visit our newsroom to read past news releases at www.fbresearch.org/news-press.
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