Schizophrenia is a severe, debilitating and chronic brain disorder often affecting young adults below the age of forty. The disease has a major impact on sufferers as it affects the cognitive function of the individuals concerned. As a result, it has been reported that 75% of sufferers cannot maintain a steady job and high suicide rates are a feature of this devastating disease. In the USA, 1% of the population is thought to be affected with only 20% of these patients able to lead a normal life as a result of therapy.

The market for drugs to treat schizophrenia is estimated to be worth $14bn.