In the fight against cancer, America’s biopharmaceutical research companies are testing 981 oncology medicines and vaccines, according to a report released by the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA). These prospective medicines, which are either in clinical trials or under review by the FDA, include 111 for breast cancer, 121 for lung cancer, and 117 for lymphoma.
“Despite amazing strides in the ongoing battle against cancer, the many forms of this disease remain a major public health challenge for patients, their families, healthcare providers. Additionally, cancer is a burden on economies in the United States and throughout the world,” said PhRMA President and CEO John J. Castellani. “The ceaseless efforts of biopharmaceutical researchers in America have brought new and improved treatment to patients, providing options that didn’t exist before. This report reflects stories of remarkable science, individual perseverance and an unwavering commitment to patients.”
Steady improvements in cancer survivorship rates within the US over the past few decades can be attributed to the noteworthy advancements in biopharmaceutical research and development. According to the American Cancer Society, the cancer death rate fell 22% for men and 14% for women between 1990 and 2007.
Beyond the benefits for patients and their families, a reduction in cancer death rates has a tremendous economic impact. The National Institutes of Health estimates overall costs for cancer in 2007 at $226.8 billion: $103.8 billion for direct medical costs and $123 billion for indirect mortality costs. Furthermore, a reduction in cancer death rates by 10% would be worth approximately $4.4 trillion in economic value to current and future generations, according to recent research from the University of Chicago.
Currently, America’s biopharmaceutical researchers are exploring many new cutting-edge methods to fight cancer. Examples include:
- A medicine that inhibits the metabolism of pancreatic cancer cells by denying them the energy provided by glucose
- A medicine for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) that impedes cancer cells with a mutation found in roughly one-third of AML sufferers
- A nanotechnology therapy that targets the delivery of medicines to prostate cancer cells
“Since the war on cancer was declared in the early 1970s, biopharmaceutical research companies have laid a significant stake in the ground by helping millions of patients worldwide manage or even beat this disease,” said Castellani. “Future medical advancements are our best hope for lessening the burden of cancer to patients, their families and society.”
Source: PhRMA.