Women
October 19, 2009
America’s pharmaceutical research and biotechnology companies are working on nearly 1,000 life–changing medicines for diseases affecting women, according to a new report released by the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA). The medicines are awaiting approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or are in human clinical trials.
In the U.S., diseases that disproportionately affect women include diabetes, which has reached epidemic proportions and affects 11 million women nationwide. Autoimmune diseases strike women three times more and anxiety and depression two times more women than men.
The number one killer of American women is heart disease.
Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in American women. To help raise awareness about this disease, Medicines in Development Women 2009 is being released during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The report lists 969 new medicines in development. They include 112 new treatments for breast cancer, 86 new treatments for obstetric/gynecologic conditions, 76 for asthma, 114 for autoimmune diseases, 155 for diabetes, 131 for arthritis, and 80 for Alzheimer’s disease.
One medicine in the report is a potential cutting–edge treatment that attacks the cause of Alzheimer’s disease rather than merely treating its symptoms. Currently, treatment options for Alzheimer’s disease are limited. This groundbreaking medicine holds the potential to slow the progression of the disease and could vastly improve quality of life for Alzheimer’s patients. Women account for 70 percent of Alzheimer’s deaths.
Diabetes
A first-in-class medicine in development for type 2 diabetes shown in clinical trials to significantly improve long-term glycemic control.
Psoriasis
A medicine in development for psoriasis designed to selectively inhibit proteins that are responsible for inflammation.
Lupus
A new monoclonal antibody in development for lupus modulates B-cells that produce antibodies against the body's own cells and tissue, causing the immune system to turn on itself.
|
.gif)