Revamping the Ever-changing Landscape of Drug Development Processes in the Midst of COVID-19 Pandemic

Oo, Charles; Ameer, Barbara

Oncology is the frontline of drug development. The current pharmaceutical pipeline is disproportional focused on oncology, where about 1/3 of all phases of development is in this therapeutic area. The emphasis brings about substantial breakthrough and has made positive impact on the quality of life. However, oncology remains a threat to human existence, and more will be needed. To facilitate this process, a comprehensive list of novel/first molecularly targeted oncology drug approvals by the FDA from 2017 to 2020 is complied. Here, we focus on molecularly targeted oncology drugs and not cytotoxic ones, although the latter remain important. To achieve this purpose, besides their sponsors, years of approval, drug classes, and cancer indications, clinical significance is included. The results show that approved molecularly targeted drugs span across diverse classes, including small molecule receptor inhibitors, and biologics such as monoclonal antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates, check-point inhibitors (i.e., PD1, PDL1, CTLA4) and CAR-T cell therapies. Although complete cure of cancer remains limited, we have made substantial inroads and more is yet to come. Moreover, many of these new knowledge can be extrapolated to other therapeutic areas, especially to those of currently unmet medical needs such as in neurology.