Chapter 31. To Market, To Market - 1996

Abstract

Publisher Summary There was a slight increase in the number of new chemical entities (NCEs) introduced in the world market in the year 1996 from the same in the previous year. The total number of NCEs introduced for human therapeutic use equaled 38 in that year. Japan, historically a leader in worldwide NCE introductions, fell to fifth place introducing five compounds. The United States took the number one position with 17 NCEs followed closely by the UK with 16. Germany ranked third with 12 introductions and Denmark was fourth with seven. France, Japan, Sweden, and Switzerland all tied for fifth place with five NCEs each. The remainder of the introductions were distributed over 15 countries. The same trend existed in the ranking for originators of NCEs. The United States was first with 10 closely followed again by the United Kingdom with eight. Japan tied with Germany for third with five NCEs each. Switzerland was fourth, Denmark was fifth and Australia, France, Netherlands, and Sweden all tied for the fifth place. Two new HIV protease inhibitors were launched. The central nervous system (CNS) agents were the most active therapeutic area with 11 new launches. This included avonex that is able to slow the progression of relapsing multiple sclerosis. In addition, ultiva, an esterase metabolized opioid, is the first entry to this new class and riluzole is the first drug approved for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Many other one-of-a-kind products were launched in 1996. Accolate is the first leukotriene receptor antagonist for asthma. Lilly introduced humalog, that is, the first of a new type of insulin analog that mimics the normal insulin response. Anti-neoplastic agents saw the introduction of hycamtin, the first of a new class of drugs that inhibit topoisomerase I. Products from recombinant technology totaled six in number. Of these, reteplase is the only thrombolytic agent with a double bolus injection formulation.