Almost 400 Cancer Drugs in the Pipeline

There are 399 cancer drugs currentlyin development, the PharmaceuticalResearch and Manufacturers of America(PhRMA) has reported. The association'sannual biopharmaceutical researchsurvey also indicated that manyof these drugs are possible breakthroughcancer treatments, while othersinvolve potential new indicationsfor existing medicines.

Currently, 178 biopharmaceuticalcompanies and the National CancerInstitute are conducting research intopossible cancer cures and treatments.All the medicines in development areeither in clinical trials or in FDAreview. Of the 399 medicines, 62 arefor lung cancer, 49 are for breast cancer,50 are for prostate cancer, and 35are for colorectal cancer. Other potentialmedicines focus on kidney cancer,pancreatic cancer, brain cancer, skincancer, and ovarian cancer, amongothers. Furthermore, companies areworking on medicines to enhance thequality of life for individuals receivingcancer treatment.

"Anyone fighting cancer or anyonewho has beaten it knows the importanceof these medicines and this research,"said Billy Tauzin, PhRMA presidentand chief executive officer."Sometimes, the hope that one of thesenew medicines will work for you is whatkeeps you fighting the disease. The realreward for the huge research and developmentinvestment in these new medicinescomes when one of these treatmentshelps save lives or allows patientsto go home cancer-free."