Schizophrenia study finds new biomarker, drug candidate to treat cognitive symptoms

A Northwestern University study identified a new biomarker (a brain protein called Cacna2d1) linked to cognitive symptoms in Schizophrenia—an area current medications largely fail to treat.

Researchers developed a synthetic version of this protein (SEAD1) that, in animal models, corrected abnormal brain activity and improved behavior without major side effects.

Overall, the findings point toward a potential new, targeted treatment approach for cognitive impairment, which could significantly improve functioning and independence if it translates to humans.