More than 300 meds in development in USA for autoimmune diseases, says report

A new report from US trade group Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) and the Lupus Foundation of America reveals that there are 311 medicines and vaccines being developed by US companies which are in clinical trials or pending review by the Food and Drug Administration for autoimmune diseases.

The report highlights both the progress made in increasing understanding of the immune system and what remains to be learned.

Currently, more than 80 autoimmune diseases have been identified, including psoriasis, lupus and celiac disease, and new scientific advances – led by pharma companies – continue to reveal details that are spurring the development of innovative approaches to treating them, such as how environmental elements can trigger the immune system to attack normal cells.