Global Pipeline of Innovative Medicinal Products: A Narrative Review

Abstract

SCIENTIFIC RELEVANCE. The rapid expansion of the range of medicines in the global pharmaceutical market determines the importance of periodically reviewing the range of innovative medicines and products at various stages of development.AIM. This study aimed to determine the main trends in the development of innovative medicines.DISCUSSION. This review presents information on the therapeutic effects and value of innovative medicinal products, outlines current approaches to their authorisation, and addresses the increase in their costs. The authors used information search, content analysis, and horizon scanning methods to prepare this narrative review. The review describes the global pharmaceutical pipeline for the second half of 2023, both generally and by specific aspects. The authors determined that over 21,000 pharmaceutical products were in development at the time, with approximately 23% of those in the later stages of development (from phase III clinical trials to the registration stage). The predominant indications for use were cancers. The authors separately reviewed innovations in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, as well as gene, cell, and RNA therapies.CONCLUSIONS. A significant number of innovative pipeline medicines have a high likelihood of changing the landscape of current approaches to disease treatment, prevention, and diagnosis. With the rising costs of innovative medicinal products, the potential for change underscores the importance of introducing predictive tools, such as horizon scanning, into the national healthcare system.