PhRMA: Drug companies have 444 medicines under development for neurological disorders

WASHINGTON — Nearly 450 drugs are under development for treating neurological disorders, according to a report by a drug industry trade group.

The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America said in a report released Wednesday that drug makers had 444 drugs in clinical development or awaiting Food and Drug Administration approval for a range of diseases, ranging from mild to serious.

"Despite the incredible complexity of neurological disorders, biopharmaceutical scientists have delivered significant advances for patients in recent years, including new medicines for multiple sclerosis and Huntington's diseases," PhRMA president and CEO John Castellani said. "The nearly 450 medicines in the pipeline have the potential to bring us ever closer to our shared goal of improving the health of and extending the lives of patients facing these debilitating disorders."

The drugs under development include 82 for Alzheimer's disease; 82 for pain; 62 for brain tumors; 38 for MS; 25 for headaches and migraines; 28 for epilepsy and seizures; 27 for Parkinson's disease; and seven for Huntington's disease. Another medicine helps the immune system protect neurons affected by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a devastating degenerative and ultimately fatal condition also known as ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease; it is one of the eight drugs under development for ALS.