Chapter 14 - Section summary and perspectives: Translational medicine in neurology

Summary

This chapter discusses the framework for further developments in translational neurology research. In addition to imaging techniques, other approaches to biomarker development for multiple sclerosis (MS) are underway in neurology research. Animal models for various neurological disorders are not a reliable indicator of clinical outcome but are inserted into the drug development evaluation scheme to demonstrate a positive outcome or to complete a developmental step. One of the most challenging aspects in translating candidate therapeutic agents from preclinical models to clinical use is the selection of an appropriate clinical trial design. An enhanced understanding of the heterogeneity of the neurological disorders, as is the case with neuropsychiatric disorders, suggests strongly that to be truly effective a multitarget approach or combination therapy may be necessary to treat the composite disease, which may include cognitive deficits, motor dysfunction, progressive neuronal loss, and other features.