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2018 Saw Record Launches, But No Big Splash

 
• By Jessica Merrill

The number of US drug approvals in 2018 was striking, but most of the novel products launched last year are for rare diseases or niche cancers, meaning commercial success may be in the eye of the beholder.

Low angle view of a female swimmer preparing to dive from diving board against clear blue sky

The number of new drugs approved by US FDA in 2018 broke records and gave drug makers and patients a reason to be optimistic about the future of drug development. But most of the new drugs that reached the US market last year were for rare diseases or niche cancers and their commercial prospects aren't immediately apparent.

Of the 59 novel drugs and therapeutic biologics cleared by FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research last year, the...

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