INTRODUCTION1,2,3,5 Less than half the number of novel new drugs was approved in 2016 as in 2015. The total was similar to but still below the average number of approvals in each year from 2005 to 2013. It is also worth noting that approximately 17 specialty drugs also earned expanded indications. There might be a perception that fewer novel new drug approvals signifies
slowed growth in the specialty market, but this number does not speak to the impact of the drugs that were approved. Although the quantity was down in 2016, some important new drugs became available in each of the broad disease states covered by specialty pharmacy.
Diplomat Clinical Services | Specialty Drug Approvals
3