It’s hard to imagine, but there are currently more than 50 million Americans – nearly one-sixth of our population – affected by some type of neurological disorder. While some of these are more well-known – such as epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease or multiple sclerosis – many more are rare diseases that impact a very small number of patients who may have more limited treatment options.
Though the advancements in science around neurological disorders have never been more cutting-edge or more promising, there are still more pieces of the neurological puzzle to solve.
And it’s because of these remaining mysteries that biopharmaceutical companies remain more committed than ever to investing in research and development that could deliver new treatments and new hope to patients.
As detailed in a new joint report from PhRMA and the Epilepsy Foundation, America’s biopharmaceutical research companies are currently developing 420 medicines to combat disorders of the brain, spinal cord and nerves. This important work is focused on gaining a better understanding about how the nervous system works at the molecular and genetic levels, which can lead to more effective treatments and more insight into the underlying mechanisms of neurological disorders.
The medicines currently in development include:
- 22 medicines for epilepsy and seizures, which affect more than 2 million Americans;
- 59 medicines for Alzheimer’s disease, which today affects more than 5 million Americans; and
- 94 medicines for chronic pain, which currently affects 100 million Americans.
Fueled by the learnings of both successes and setbacks in research, biopharmaceutical companies continue to enhance our collective understanding of these diseases.
And with 420 medicines in human clinical trials or under review by the Food and Drug Administration, these medicines represent hope for new treatment options that will allow patients suffering from neurological disorders to live longer, healthier lives.
Get Medicines in Development reports and other issue updates here. {{cta('579cfd36-897d-4d7c-90cd-6ec935ead1f9')}}