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NIO sent out this press release in response to the WHO Report on Neurological Disorders in order to shed light on entire scope of the problem we face.

Neurotechnology Industry Organization: WHO Report Underscores, Underestimates Impact of Brain-Related Illness

Group calls on industry, political, investment leaders to address growing problem

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – February 27, 2007 – NIO, the Neurotechnology Industry Organization, today announced that a new World Health Organization (WHO) report which estimates that one billion people worldwide suffer from neurological disorders is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to measuring the global impact of brain-related illness. According to NIO, when psychiatric illnesses including addiction, attention disorders, anxiety, depression, schizophrenia and sleep disorders are incorporated, the number of people affected by brain disorders reaches nearly two billion, almost 100 million in the U.S. alone. The group estimates the global economic burden at $1 trillion per year.

“We applaud the WHO’s efforts to shed light on the very real and serious problem of worldwide neurological disorders,” said NIO Executive Director Zack Lynch. “Despite the large and growing unmet markets, massive economic cost, and untold human suffering, there are few effective treatments that delay, prevent and cure chronic neurological and psychiatric diseases.”

According to NIO the 500 companies worldwide focused on diseases of the brain, face fundamentally different investment requirements, research and development challenges, and regulatory milestones than other life science organizations. Despite significant hurdles, the industry is working to accelerate the development of new treatments by leveraging converging technological breakthroughs across biotechnology, information technology, nanotechnology and neuroscience.

“As the global population ages, the burden of brain-related illness will continue to grow,” said Lynch. “The WHO report recommends a number of personal and political actions to help address this burden. NIO also calls upon the diverse neurotechnology companies across the medical device, diagnostic and drug development spectrum, as well as research institutions and advocacy organizations to work together and with legislators and regulators to accelerate investment, improve the clinical development process, and deliver effective treatments to individuals suffering worldwide.”

Download NIO release - Download file

A report released today from the World Health Organization (WHO) shows that neurological disorders, ranging from epilepsy to Alzheimer disease, from stroke to headache, affect up to one billion people worldwide. Neurological disorders also include brain injuries, neuroinfections, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson disease. The report, Neurological disorders: Public health challenges, reveals that of the one billion people affected worldwide, 50 million suffer from epilepsy and 24 million from Alzheimer and other dementias. Neurological disorders affect people in all countries, irrespective of age, sex, education or income. The report recommends a series of simple but effective actions. It argues for greater commitment from decision makers, increased social and professional awareness, strategies that address stigma and discrimination, national capacity building and international collaboration.

NOTE: This report specifically excludes psychiatric illnesses (follow link: What are neurological disorders) which would boost this number by another billion. This means that brain-related illnesses impact nearly 2 Billion people worldwide. Based on this new data I estimate that the global economic burden of brain illnesses now exceeds $2 Trillion a year.

Whether you are young or old you have an interest in keeping your mind sharp and healthy, and in fixing any problems that might arise in the next years of your life. Now, advances in neuroscience are paving the way for a revolution in health care for your brain. Come see how an exciting crop of new companies are creating drugs, devices and therapies to help ensure your brain’s future health.

The Lester Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at UC Berkeley is hosting an Entrepreneurs Forum on "Neuroscience Startups: Building New Businesses to Feed Your Brain" tonight. Join Dave Summa, CEO of Acumen Pharmaceuticals, Jeff Zimman, CEO of Posit Science, John Dobak, serial neurotech entrepreneur, moderator Jim Glasheen, General Partner at Technology Partners and me as we discuss the future of the neurotech industry. Event is from 6:30-8:30.