CNS drug discovery continues to face significant scientific and translational challenges, particularly in neuropsychiatric and neurological disorders where disease mechanisms are complex and clinical development can be difficult to de-risk. In this thought leadership interview, we are joined by Ib Vestergaard Klewe, Senior Director, Head of Area, External Partnering Lead, Early Research & Innovation at Lundbeck, to explore how deeper biological understanding, emerging science, and strategic collaboration are shaping the future of CNS innovation.
Ib shares his perspective on Lundbeck’s approach to early research, where the focus is on understanding how potential medicines act at the cellular and molecular level while identifying external partnerships that can bring promising science into drug discovery and development. The discussion highlights the importance of building differentiated projects around viable targets, developing strong mechanistic insight, and establishing early proof points that can support confidence in future clinical impact.
A central theme is the complexity of CNS disease biology and the need to interrogate disease mechanisms from multiple angles. Ib reflects on Lundbeck’s focus on neuro-rare and neuro-specialty areas, where there may be stronger opportunities to understand pathological processes in detail and advance programmes with greater translational confidence. Genetics, disease biology, and improved access to large-scale data are helping to sharpen target selection and create new routes into difficult neurological conditions.
The conversation also examines the growing role of biomarkers and emerging science in CNS drug development. Using Huntington’s disease as an example, Ib discusses how a clearer genetic understanding of disease mechanisms can support more meaningful biomarker strategies and potentially improve future clinical trial design. These advances are becoming increasingly important as companies look for better ways to monitor disease processes, evaluate therapeutic effects, and de-risk programmes earlier.
External collaboration is another key focus. Ib explains how partnerships can complement internal capabilities, open new scientific spaces, and provide access to innovation at the right stage of maturity. For Lundbeck, strategic partnering across areas such as small molecules, oligonucleotides, and emerging technologies plays an important role in strengthening the CNS pipeline and expanding the company’s ability to pursue promising opportunities.
Looking ahead, the interview considers how CNS drug discovery may evolve over the next five to ten years. Ib highlights Lundbeck’s continued commitment as a neuroscience-focused company, with particular emphasis on neuro-rare and neuro-specialty diseases, while also monitoring larger indications such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease as the biology and translational opportunities continue to mature.
