2014 in review: FDA approval of new drugs

The year 2014 witnessed the approval by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of 42 new molecular entities (NMEs), which is well above recent averages. These molecules targeted a range of molecular pathways and clinical indications, although the latter was skewed toward hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and diabetes. By contrast, a single drug was approved for cardiovascular diseases and none for neurological indications (excepting sleeping disorders). Of note is a continued trend toward consolidation because the net number of biotechnology companies has reached its lowest point in over 25 years, raising questions about sustainability.