The FDA is proving to be a top contender in the international space in its efforts to fight the battle on the Big C, yes we’re talking cancer.
Source: Friends of Cancer Research Study
A new study released online today by Friends of Cancer Research in Health Affairs reports that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has a faster approval rate for oncology drugs than their European counterpart agency, the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
The study was held over a seven year period beginning 2003 through 2010. Authors Samantha A. Roberts, Jeff D. Allen, and Ellen V. Sigal investigated 35 drugs going through approval process in both markets and compiled their results in an eight-page report complete with graphics and pull quotes.
FDA v. EMA Stats
- 35 drugs were investigated
- FDA approved 32 oncology drugs while the EMA approved only 26
- In addition, FDA’s approval for said drugs was over 31 percent more time efficient that the EMA
Statistically speaking, the approval ratio is less than one.
Finding the data
Authors of the study utilized public data bases on the FDA and EMA websites to conduct their research. Drugs used in the study are direct oncology treatments, drugs related to “supportive care” such as pain relievers and anti-nausea medications were omitted in their findings.
Check it Out
The Friends of Cancer Research study is currently available online and will be available in the July issue of Health Affairs.
What’s the spark under the FDA?
