New therapeutic agents marketed in 1995

In 1995, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved 28 new molecular entities (NMEs), 26 of which are for therapeutic use and two of which are diagnostic agents. Fourteen of the NMEs for therapeutic use were both approved and marketed in the United States in 1995. In addition, eight other NMEs and a biological agent for therapeutic use that the FDA approved before 1995 (most in late 1994) were marketed during the year. Thus, a total of 23 therapeutic agents reached the U.S. market for the first time in 1995. Many of the 12 therapeutic agents approved in 1995, but not marketed before the end of the year, were available in early 1996. This review considers the drugs' most important properties and compares them with other available agents with similar properties. This discussion is not intended to be all inclusive; when additional information is needed, more comprehensive references and the product literature should be consulted.