2018 in review: FDA approvals of new molecular entities

2018 was a remarkable year, both in terms of the number of new molecular entities (NMEs) approved and the organizations developing them. In total, 59 NMEs received a nod from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), most of which were approved using a priority or breakthrough designation. Orphan drugs accounted for more than half of new approvals, only the second time in history that level has been achieved. Moreover, the net number of organizations that received an FDA approval and remain active in new drug research surged in 2018, reflecting both an increase in new organizations and lower levels of industry consolidation.