Sagient Research Publishes Updated Report on FDA Approval Rates

Sagient Research Publishes Updated Report on FDA Approval Rates

SAN DIEGO, April 6, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sagient Research Systems, a leading publisher of independent research for the financial services, institutional investment and corporate intelligence communities, recently published an updated report analyzing approval rates at the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA). According to its research service, BioMedTracker, the rate of drugs that were approved by the FDA in 2008 and 2009 has remained close to the historical low seen in 2007. The report also examined the role FDAAA legislation, enacted in 2007, has played in the FDA not reaching its PDUFA goals. In addition, the report analyzed the impact advisory panels have on FDA decisions, approval timelines for drugs receiving Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) programs, and stock price movements around PDUFA dates. The report mentioned several high profile FDA decisions expected in 2010, including Dendreon's Provenge for prostate cancer, InterMune's Esbriet for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), and Vivus' Qnexa for obesity.

BioMedTracker is an independent research service that offers proprietary clinical assessments and patient-based revenue forecasts of developmental drugs within a comprehensive and intuitive drug information database. Clients from the pharmaceutical, biotech, and investment industries rely on BioMedTracker for its insight on the likelihood of approval, commercial potential, and future data and regulatory catalysts for drugs within the competitive landscape of every important disease and indication. CatalystTracker is the most efficient method to track upcoming volatility events for public companies. Catalysts are constantly updated by Sagient's in-house analyst team and presented to clients online in an easy to use, searchable, and customizable format.

Commenting on the report of FDA Approval Rates, Michael Hay, Senior Analyst and Product Manager for BioMedTracker said, "Despite an increase in the overall number of drugs being approved since the low seen in 2007, the overall rate of approvals has remained depressed as compared to 2006. Increased responsibilities and authorities granted to the FDA under FDAAA have created new dynamics to the approval process, such as the need for REMS programs. This has led to extended approval timelines and it is important for the industry to analyze and implement all the elements needed for approval early in the drug development process." Hay continued, "In 2009 we saw striking Phase III data from companies such as Dendreon and Vivus. In 2010 that data will lead to some exciting FDA decisions. We eagerly await what is again sure to be a thrilling and volatile year for companies navigating the FDA."

BioMedTracker FDA Approval Rates: 2006-2009
Decision Type 2009 2008 2007 2006
Approved 64% 67% 63% 73%
Not-Approved 36% 33% 37% 27%

BioMedTracker's powerful biomedical investment information can be accessed online with a paid subscription via www.BioMedTracker.com.

CatalystTracker's dynamic updating upcoming catalyst calendar can be accessed online with a paid subscription via www.CatalystTracker.com.

Sagient's product portfolio also includes PlacementTracker, a dynamic, customizable research service that provides clients with market data, research, and analysis on the PIPE (Private Investment in Public Equity) market. This data can be accessed online with a paid subscription via www.PlacementTracker.com.

To arrange for a demonstration of BioMedTracker and CatalystTracker, or to obtain a copy of FDA Report Update, please send an inquiry to [email protected] or [email protected].

About Sagient Research Systems

Sagient Research Systems is a publisher of specialized research and data. We develop, produce, and sell proprietary research products to global enterprises, including investment banks, mutual and hedge funds, pharmaceutical companies, academic institutions, and government agencies. Our business strategy is to continue to leverage our development, technology, and marketing expertise to solidify our position as a leading provider of independent research.

In each of 2007, 2008 and 2009 Sagient Research was recognized by Inc. Magazine as one of the 5000 fastest-growing private companies in America. For more information, please visit the Sagient Research Systems website at www.sagientresearch.com.