Abstract
The FDA approved 22 novel drugs in 2016, down from 45 in 2015. Four of the new therapies are for cancer treatment, and two are for cancer diagnosis.
In 2016, the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research approved 22 novel drugs, down from 45 in 2015 and below the average of about 29 drugs per year over the last decade. One reason for the decline, according to the FDA, is that five drugs were greenlighted in 2015, ahead of the 2016 dates that had been set for a decision.
The number of novel drugs for cancer treatment authorized by the FDA in 2016 also dropped, from 14 in 2015 to four. However, the agency did approve two diagnostic imaging agents and new indications for already approved therapies, such as the PD-1 inhibitors nivolumab (Opdivo; Bristol-Myers Squibb) and pembrolizumab (Keytruda; Merck). [Source: FDA]
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