Biologics Research Promises to Bolster Future of Medicine

More Than 900 Biologic Medicines and Vaccines in Development  

WASHINGTON, March 11, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- America's biopharmaceutical companies are using biological processes to develop 907 medicines and vaccines targeting more than 100 diseases, according to a new report released today by the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA).

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The report includes biologics in human clinical trials or under review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration such as:

• 338 cancer therapeutics that target several different types of solid tumors, leukemia and lymphoma;
• 134 vaccines for infectious diseases;
• 71 medicines for autoimmune diseases including lupus, multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis;
• 58 treatments for cardiovascular disease.

"These medicines reflect the cutting-edge research being conducted across the country by biopharmaceutical companies in order to provide new treatment options to patients," stated PhRMA President and CEO John J. Castellani.

The biologic medicines now in development make use of a range of new technologies to harness scientific progress.  Among the biologic medicines in development are:

• A genetically-modified virus-based vaccine to treat melanoma;
• A monoclonal antibody for the treatment of asthma;
• An antisense therapy for the treatment of leukemia;
• A recombinant fusion protein to treat type 2 diabetes.

"In order to realize the full potential of novel biologics to improve human health, it is essential to maintain public policy and regulatory environments to support the research and development that drives biomedical innovation," concluded Castellani.

The U.S. biopharmaceutical research sector supports nearly four million jobs across the economy, invests billions of dollars in research and development each year, and accounts for nearly 20 percent of all domestic R&D funded by U.S. businesses generating high-quality, high-wage jobs, powering the U.S. economy, and developing critical new treatments against our most costly and challenging diseases. 

The Biologic Medicines in Development report as well as an overview and other supplementary materials are available on PhRMA's website at http://phrma.org/research/new-medicines.

The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) represents the country's leading innovative biopharmaceutical research and biotechnology companies, which are devoted to discovering and developing medicines that enable patients to live longer, healthier, and more productive lives. Since 2000, PhRMA member companies have invested over $500 billion in the search for new treatments and cures, including an estimated $49.5 billion in 2011 alone.

Find PhRMA Online:

• Website – http://www.phrma.org
• Facebook – www.facebook.com/PhRMA
• Blog – www.phrma.org/catalyst
• Twitter – www.Twitter.com/PhRMA and www.Twitter.com/PhRMApress
• YouTube – www.youtube.com/PhRMApress

For information on how innovative medicines save lives, visit: http://www.innovation.org 
For information on the Partnership for Prescription Assistance, visit: http://www.pparx.org   
For information on ensuring the flow of medicines during public health emergencies, visit http://www.rxresponse.org

SOURCE Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America