PhRMA finds 785 drugs in development for older Americans

New medicines in the pipeline for Alzheimer's disease, osteoporosis, arthritis and Parkinson's disease are among the many promising treatments in development for diseases of aging, according to a new survey released by the Washington-based Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America.

The latest survey highlights the work of 120 pharma and biotech companies:

•Â Forty-four drugs are in development for respiratory and lung disorders, the fourth leading cause of death among the elderly.

•Â Twenty-three are in development for diabetes, the sixth leading cause of death among people 65 and older.

•Â Twenty-one are in the pipeline for Alzheimer's disease, which will afflict 14 million Americans by mid-century unless a cure or method of prevention is found.

All of these potential medicines are in clinical trials or awaiting final approval by the Food and Drug Administration.

Said Alan F. Holmer, president of PhRMA, "Our aging populace underlines the need for prescription drug coverage for seniors, who expect and deserve access to the fruits of medical research. Medicare drug coverage must be crafted in a way that gives seniors access to the medicines of today and provides incentives for companies to discover the medicines of tomorrow." PR