Discontinued drugs in 2006: oncology drugs
1Drug Development Office, Cancer Research UK, 61 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London WC2A 3PX, UK. Robert.williams@cancer.org.uk
Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs
|March 7, 2008
Abstract:
This perspective is the last in a series of papers discussing drugs dropped from clinical development in 2006. Specifically, this paper focuses on the 16 drugs discontinued for the treatment of cancer, the largest area of pharma R&D. This was based on a search of the Pharmaprojects database for drugs reaching Phase I-III clinical trials.
Insights
This study reviews 16 cancer drugs discontinued in 2006, highlighting the largest sector of pharmaceutical research and development. Understanding these clinical development failures informs future drug discovery and oncology research strategies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmaceutical R&D
- Clinical Drug Development
Background:
- This paper is the final in a series examining drug discontinuations in 2006.
- Focuses on cancer therapeutics, a major area for pharmaceutical research and development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the 16 cancer drugs that were discontinued during clinical development in 2006.
- To provide insights into the reasons for clinical trial failures in oncology drug development.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive search of the Pharmaprojects database was conducted.
- The search included drugs that reached Phase I, II, and III clinical trials.
Main Results:
- Identified 16 distinct cancer drugs discontinued in 2006.
- These represent a significant portion of overall drug development attrition.
Conclusions:
- The discontinuation of 16 cancer drugs in 2006 underscores the challenges in oncology R&D.
- Analysis of these failures can inform strategies to improve success rates in future cancer drug development.
Related Concept Videos
01:26FDA Approved Drugs: Changes to Approved Drugs
Post-approval, manufacturers may modify an approved new or generic drug product. Such modifications can encompass alterations in the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API), manufacturing process, formulation, batch size, manufacturing site, and container closure system (FDA Guidance for Industry, April 2004). Often, a drug product may undergo multiple changes.These modifications require careful evaluation to determine their potential impact on the drug product's identity, strength, quality,...
02:56Treatment Resistent Cancers
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...
02:56Treatment Resistant Cancers
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...
01:02Prescription, Nonprescription and Orphan Drugs
Prescription drugs require a prescription from a medical practitioner and can only be obtained from a pharmacy. They have many applications, including treating pain, anxiety, and hypertension.
The misuse and addiction to prescription drugs is a growing problem that can affect people of all age groups, specifically teenagers. This can happen when prescription medications are used in ways not intended by the prescriber, such as taking someone else's prescription or using medication for...
The misuse and addiction to prescription drugs is a growing problem that can affect people of all age groups, specifically teenagers. This can happen when prescription medications are used in ways not intended by the prescriber, such as taking someone else's prescription or using medication for...
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...