Big Pharma Companies Have Higher US FDA Approval Percentage Than Everybody Else

Almost 80% of novel agent submissions from the biggest companies were approved in recent years, compared with a 60% approval rate for the rest of the industry, according to a recent analysis of FDA approval decisions since 2021.

FDA Approved typed words on a vintage typewriter

A beneficial effect of sponsorship by the largest companies in the pharma industry can be seen in the fates of novel agent applications that faced US FDA approval decisions in recent years: the applications associated with big pharma were approved at a higher rate than novel agent NDAs and BLAs attached to mid-sized and small firms, an analysis of Pink Sheet’s US FDA Performance Tracker shows.

A little more than one-quarter of the FDA’s decisions on novel agent applications with user fee goal dates in 2021, 2022 and the first four months of 2023 were associated with one of the 15 biggest

Read the full article – start your free trial today!

Join thousands of industry professionals who rely on In Vivo for daily insights

  • Start your 7-day free trial
  • Explore trusted news, analysis, and insights
  • Access comprehensive global coverage
  • Enjoy instant access – no credit card required

More from Market Intelligence

Execs On The Move: April 2025

 
• By 

An interactive look at recent executive-level company changes and promotions in the biopharma, medical device and diagnostics industries.

Califf In Conversation: “Decimated” FDA Teams Endanger Biologics Progress

 

In Vivo spoke to the previous commissioner of the US FDA about recent ongoings at the agency, and where he believes policy should be directed for patient and industry benefit.

With 75 Pipeline Candidates, TIL Therapies Gain Momentum in Solid Tumor Space

 
• By 

Tumor infiltrating lymphocyte therapies show promise for solid tumors, with a first FDA approval, but face manufacturing and access challenges as development continues.

NewAmsterdam’s Davidson On Reviving “Failed” Drug Class To Fill Cardiovascular Treatment Gap

 
• By 

After a string of high-profile failures by big pharma, Michael Davidson is positioning his company's CETP inhibitor as the next breakthrough in cardiovascular medicine. The body of data to support this position is growing.

More from In Vivo

Chinese Firms Build Obesity Clinical Pipeline But Face Wider Hurdles

 
• By 

Despite the ability to initiate clinical trials quickly and having strong manufacturing capacity, Chinese companies are facing multiple challenges in the obesity space.

Deals In Depth: April 2025

 
• By 

Four $1bn+ alliances were penned in April, and one exceeded $2bn.

Digital Transformation At The FDA: Generative AI Set To Transform Drug Review Process

 
• By 

The FDA plans to implement generative AI for drug reviews by 30 June 2025, enhancing efficiency and potentially accelerating approval processes. Discussions with OpenAI about AI integration are ongoing.