A survey by the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America says there are 800 new medicines being developed to counter the diseases of aging.
Of those currently being developed, 123 medicines would treat heart disease and stroke and 395 would assist cancer patients.
There are 22 new medications being developed against Alzheimer's, a disease expected to afflict 16 million people by the middle of this century. One new Alzheimer's drug would both inhibit plaque formation and block the degradation of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.
There also are 14 new drugs being developed for Parkinson's disease and 53 for diabetes. Eighteen of the proposed new compounds would treat osteoporosis and 11 would address symptoms of depression.
Other medicines would treat bladder and kidney diseases, eye disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, osteoarthritis, pain, prostate disease, respiratory and lung disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, skin conditions and other conditions of aging.
All the new pharmaceuticals are in human trials or awaiting approval by the Food and Drug Administration, PhRMA said.
© Copyright 2004 by United Press International
