english.prescrire.org > Spotlight > Archives : 2014 > Drug developments in 2013: little progress, but French authorities take a few positive steps to protect patients

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Drug developments in 2013: little progress, but French authorities take a few positive steps to protect patients

2013 saw minimal therapeutic advances, with 15 new drugs or new therapeutic indications deemed dangerous.

In 2013, more than half of the new drugs or new therapeutic indications analysed by Prescrire were found not to offer any improvement on existing treatments: out of 90 drugs evaluated by Prescrire, 48 were given a "Nothing New" rating. Only 18 new drugs provided some improvements, but this was often minimal. Six were rated as "Offers an Advantage", i.e. they offer a modest improvement; and 12 were deemed "Possibly Helpful".

For 9 of the new drugs or new therapeutic indications presented in 2013 the clinical evaluation did not permit a clear view of their harm-benefit balance: they were rated "Judgement Reserved", while 15 new drugs or new therapeutic indications were judged "Not Acceptable". Their clinical evaluation revealed that they did more harm than good, but they had been authorised hastily, on the basis of surrogate criteria, exposing patients to unjustifiable risks.

The very high prices of many drugs are unjustifiable given the little progress they represent, often unproven or still to be confirmed.

Some measures taken by the French health authorities, such as withdrawing drugs from the market, restricting their use or delisting them due to the adverse effects they induce, are a step in the direction of patient protection.

True progress will only come if clinical research is refocused on patient needs, if the quality of the drug evaluation process is improved and if the profitability of drugs that provide "Nothing New" is compromised.

©Prescrire 1 April 2014

"Drug developments in 2013: little progress but the authorities take a few positive steps to protect patients" Prescrire Int 2014; 23 (148): 107-110. (Pdf, subscribers only).
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For more information:

The Prescrire Drug
Awards for 2013
(February 2014)
Free

Prescrire's Drug Ratings
(February 2011)
Free