The FDA approved 35 first-of-a-kind prescription drugs in fiscal year 2011, which marks the second highest number in the past decade and continues the upward trend after a slow decade, according to Bloomberg Business report.
With 37 drugs approved, fiscal year 2009 was the only year to exceed this year, the FDA said. FDA officials said the increase was not a result of an increase in applications but increased innovation. Highlights from the past year include the first new lupus drug in 50 years, two drugs for Hepatitis C and seven new cancer drugs.
The high-point of prescription drug approvals came in 1996 with 53 drugs approved. In the past five years, drug approvals have averaged 21 per year.
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With 37 drugs approved, fiscal year 2009 was the only year to exceed this year, the FDA said. FDA officials said the increase was not a result of an increase in applications but increased innovation. Highlights from the past year include the first new lupus drug in 50 years, two drugs for Hepatitis C and seven new cancer drugs.
The high-point of prescription drug approvals came in 1996 with 53 drugs approved. In the past five years, drug approvals have averaged 21 per year.
Related Articles on the FDA:
FDA Opens Comment Period for Medical Device Labeling
Obama Orders FDA to Act on Drug Shortages
FDA Workshop Addresses MRI Safety