Neuroscience Showcase: From Chance Discovery To Molecular Biology

Psychiatric and neurological drug development has undergone a profound shift from early breakthroughs driven by chance observation to precision approaches grounded in molecular biology. In this webinar, Dr. Sheldon Preskorn traces that evolution through the lens of his own career, spanning preclinical research, clinical pharmacology, and more than a dozen successful new drug applications. He explores how syndromic diagnoses once limited progress, why understanding brain circuits and molecular targets changed the trajectory of treatment development, and how advances in genetics, neurobiology, and immunology are reshaping psychiatry today.

Drawing on real examples—from antipsychotics and antidepressants to sleep therapies, addiction treatments, and emerging Alzheimer’s insights—gain a clear, practical view of where neuroscience innovation has been and where it’s headed next.