¹Molecular and Integrative Neuroscience Department, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA

Correspondence: Professor Emeritus FE Bloom, Molecular and Integrative Neuroscience Department, The Scripps Research Institute, 628 Pacific View Drive, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92109-1768, USA. Tel: +1 858 784 9730; E-mail: fbloom@scripps.edu

Abstract

A growing problem of major proportions had been confronting biomedical scientists for many decades. Until solved, this long-neglected problem, the abject failure of the American health care system, presents a gigantic obstacle to the application of the discoveries flowing from neuropsychopharmacological research into deliverable medications utilized by medical practitioners. Although it is recognized that such advances could benefit all of society, both in the United States and globally, progress toward this important goal has not happened. As I noted 5 years ago, 'Unless steps are taken soon to undertake a comprehensive restoration of our system, the profound advances in bio-medical research so rapidly accruing today may never be effectively transformed into meaningful advances in health care for society.' I remain perplexed and frustrated by the reluctance of scientific research societies such as our ACNP to engage their energies and intellect into this most serious issue.