About one-third of people with schizophrenia don’t respond to current medications, and many discontinue treatment due to severe side effects. I analyzed brain scans and gene expression data from individuals with schizophrenia and found major disruptions in GABAergic interneurons—cells crucial for maintaining brain balance. Using this insight, I designed a drug aimed at restoring healthy brain function rather than just suppressing symptoms. Then, I tested its binding to three key brain receptors and compared it to three commonly used antipsychotics. My compound outperformed all three, suggesting it could offer a more effective treatment with fewer side effects and more lasting relief for those living with schizophrenia.