US OKs cancer drugs faster than Europe, Tufts
The conclusion is presented in the latest version of Tufts’ “impact report,” which reveals that from 2002 through 2011, US approval times were 10 months shorter for oncology vs. non-oncology drugs. While in Europe, approval times were two months shorter for non-oncology vs. oncology drugs.
Additionally, total development and approval time in the US for fast track drugs dropped by 20 per cent - from 8.3 years in 2002-06 to 6.6 years in 2007-11.
Christopher-Paul Milne, director of research at Tufts CSDD said: "Oncology drug development continues to be challenging due to smaller patient populations for recruitment and longer periods for evaluation of treatment response.
"What is encouraging is that while total development time for oncology and non-oncology drugs decreased by half a year during the 2002-11 period, for oncology drugs this was accomplished by process improvements that shortened regulatory review time."
