Experts Call for More Studies on Cognitive-Enhancing Drugs
The use and number of cognitive-enhancing drugs is likely to grow substantially in the coming years, and researchers must prioritize the potential advantages and dangers of their use in healthy subjects, according to U.K. neuroscientists writing in The Lancet Psychiatry journal.
The use and number of cognitive-enhancing drugs is likely to grow substantially in the coming years, and researchers must prioritize the potential advantages and dangers of their use in healthy subjects, according to U.K. neuroscientists writing in The Lancet Psychiatry journal.
“Reliable evidence is crucial for a balanced view on the risks and benefits of these drugs and to set out clear regulatory guidelines for their use,” wrote Prof. Barbara Sahakian and Dr. Sharon Morein-Zamir from the University of Cambridge, adding that the government, pharmaceutical industry, and national medical organizations need to work together to look at the harms and benefits of long-term use of cognitive-enhancing drugs.
Drugs such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and modafinil (Provigil) are being used by healthy individuals to improve concentration, memory, and other aspects of cognitive performance, but very little is known about the long-term effects of this non-medical use, noted the authors. People are using the drugs to gain a competitive edge at school, university, or work, and for maintaining attention and performance when sleep-deprived or jet-lagged, and student use in the U.S. varies between 5% and 35%, they wrote. This might only be the tip of the iceberg and is unlikely to be representative of usage in professional or older populations, they added.
Most cognitive enhancers have been developed by the pharmaceutical industry to treat the effects of impaired cognition in conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, attention deficit hyperactivity disorders, and schizophrenia. But non-medical use raises safety and ethical concerns including side effects and potential abuse, particularly from sourcing on the internet, according to Sahakian and Morein-Zamer.
“Present cognitive-enhancing drugs have wide ranging effects and side effects and are not predictable. We also know next to nothing about their long-terms effects in healthy people,” they pointed out.
Improving Relationships and Diversifying the Site Selection Process
April 17th 2025In this episode of the Applied Clinical Trials Podcast, Liz Beatty, co-founder and chief strategy officer, Inato, discusses a number of topics around site engagement including community-based sites, the role of technology in improving site/sponsor relationships, how increased operational costs are impacting the industry, and more.
Behind the Buzz: Why Clinical Research Leaders Flock to SCOPE Summit
February 7th 2025In this episode, we meet with Micah Lieberman, Executive Conference Director for SCOPE Summit (Summit for Clinical Ops Executives) at Cambridge Innovation Institute. We will dive deep into the critical role of collaboration within the clinical research ecosystem. How do we bring together diverse stakeholders—sponsors, CROs, clinical trial tech innovators, suppliers, patients, sites, advocacy organizations, investors, and non-profits—to share best practices in trial design, program planning, innovation, and clinical operations? We’ll explore why it’s vital for thought leaders to step beyond their own organizations and learn from others, exchanging ideas that drive advancements in clinical research. Additionally, we’ll discuss the pivotal role of scientific conferences like SCOPE Summit in fostering these essential connections and collaborations, helping shape the future of clinical trials. Join us as we uncover how collective wisdom and cross-industry partnerships are transforming the landscape of clinical research.
