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A groundbreaking study by Professor E. Sylvester Vizi, former President of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, former Head of the Board of Trustees of the Friends of Hungary Foundation (publisher of Hungary Today and Ungarn Heute), Chairman of the Board of Directors at Gedeon Richter, and Pál Tod, has been published in the prestigious British Journal of Pharmacology.
According to HUN-REN‘s statement, the research investigates the effects of tetrabenazine, an FDA-approved drug for managing hyperkinetic movement disorders caused by third-generation antipsychotics, commonly used to treat schizophrenia and major depression.
Conducted by the Institute of Experimental Medicine (KOKI) in collaboration with pharmaceutical company Gedeon Richter, the study is the first to explore how these drugs impact different brain areas, providing crucial insights for improving treatment strategies. Highlighting the importance of the achievement, Professor Vizi stated,
science is built in a cauldron; it is essential that our results inspire further research globally.”
The study also exemplifies the power of collaboration between academia and industry, particularly in Hungary. By combining the expertise of KOKI researchers with the resources of Gedeon Richter, it demonstrates how Hungarian intellectual capital can lead to globally impactful outcomes. Professor Vizi emphasized the importance of such partnerships, noting, “only the added Hungarian intellectual capital can bring local profits. Otherwise, we are largely subcontractors.”
He pointed to the success of cariprazine, a third-generation antipsychotic drug developed through this collaboration, generating significant revenue and elevated Hungary’s profile in pharmaceutical research.
Patented domestically, cariprazine is now marketed internationally, illustrating the potential of Hungarian innovation.
E Sylvester Vizi Photo: Hungary Today
However, Professor Vizi warned that increasing the number of patents is critical to maintaining Hungary’s competitiveness, asserting: “we must increase the number of patents in Hungary. It is the only way to ensure domestic gains and global competitiveness.”
Beyond research breakthroughs, efforts to renew Hungary’s research network, HUN-REN, is gaining momentum under the leadership of Professor Balázs Gulyás. Following the passing of Professor Sir George Radda,
Professor Vizi was appointed head of the HUN-REN President’s Circle Advisory Board, an international body of renowned scientists.
Reflecting on the appointment, he said, “this is a tremendous honor and a challenge to uphold the legacy of Hungarian science at the highest level.” Despite these efforts, challenges remain, particularly the insufficient financial recognition of Hungarian scientists. Both Professors Vizi and Gulyás stressed that competitive funding is essential to retaining talent, with Professor Vizi warning, “if we do not provide competitive support, our best researchers will leave.”
Hungary stands at a critical juncture. By fostering collaboration, increasing innovation, and enhancing support for researchers, it has the potential to secure a global leadership position in science. As Professor Vizi concluded, “our future depends on turning Hungarian ideas into patents that the world embraces.”
Via hun-ren.hu; Featured Image: Facebook / Richter Gedeon Nyrt.