Express Scripts: 2015 FDA approvals hit all-time high

ST. LOUIS — A new analysis by Express Scripts is taking a look at the record-breaking number of drug approvals that came from the Food and Drug Administration in 2015. The company notes that 56 drugs were approved by the FDA last year, a number that topped the previously held record of 53 approvals from 1996. 

 

Among the highlights Express Scripts points out was the introduction of the first biosimilar in the United States, Zarxio (filgrastim-sndz), which was approved by the FDA in March 2015. Additionally, Express Scripts notes the approval of a new class of specialty cholesterol treatments known as PCSK9 inhibitors. Two of these treatments — Amgen’s Repatha (evolocumab) and Sanofi’s and Regeneron’s Praluent (alirocumab) — were approved last year. 

 

Additionally, Express Scripts remarked on the growth in specialty pharmacy, pointing out the 15 new cancer drugs, some of which were among the nine breakthrough therapies the FDA approved. Additionally, there were new cardiac drugs, including Amgen’s Corlanor (ivabradine) for heart failure patients and Novartis’ Entresto (sacubitril/valsartan) for heat failure patients.