That’s right, Pfizer, of Viagra-fame has set its sights on a different illness, schizophrenia. “Researchers at Pfizer are using insights into Viagra to design experimental drugs that may improve on Zyprexa, the best- selling schizophrenia remedy from Eli Lilly & Co., with $4.2 billion in sales last year.”

Zyprexa is allegedly dangerous, causing serious side-effects such as diabetes, and Eli Lily has been the target of several lawsuits.

But, Viagra? Seriously?

“Starting in 1998, company researchers began probing the role that a family of enzymes called phosphodiesterases play in the human body, says Martin Jefson, a Pfizer scientist. Viagra works by inhibiting one of the enzymes in the group.”

Right. So you’re going to give the schizophrenics hard-ons? Won’t that just make the voices talk dirty?

“Preliminary studies suggest Pfizer’s new treatment may provide an advance, the company’s scientists say. They point to experiments in lab rodents bred to have traits that mimic antisocial human behavior. These findings show the drug may help patients feel more engaged in their surroundings than do the current treatments.”

Sounds like horny rodents to me.

Viagra’s Enzyme Action May Give Pfizer Schizophrenia Advance

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