Disclaimer: This does not include all recently approved or newly marketed medications.
As the world continues to face unprecedented health challenges, the pharmaceutical industry is working tirelessly to develop new drugs and treatments that can improve the quality of life for millions of people around the globe. In 2023, we can expect to and can currently see the release of several new drugs that have the potential to revolutionize the way we approach a range of illnesses and conditions. This article will explore some of the most exciting new drugs set to hit the market in the coming year, and what they could mean for patients and healthcare providers alike.
"Medicine is not only a science; it is also an art. It does not consist of compounding pills and plasters; it deals with the very processes of life, which must be understood before they may be guided.” - Paracelsus
Migraines
In 2019, there was a reported 1.1 billion cases of migraines with much more possibly being affected now more than ever. Migraines can significantly affect people’s quality of life, causing intense headaches, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound. It affects both children and adults, with women being three times more likely to experience migraines than men. There are currently a plethora of medications on the market for migraines but since this is a very common condition, there are always new ones that sneak up in the market. Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) antagonists have dominated the headache market since its first approval medication in 2018 (Aimovig). Here are a couple more that you’ll see soon or might currently see on the shelves.
| Qulipta (atogepant) | Zavzpret (zavegepant) | |
| Approval | 2021 | 2023 |
| Class | Calcitonin-gene related (CGRP) antagonist | |
| Indication | Used to prevent episodic migraines in adults | Used to treat acute migraine attacks with or without aura in adults |
| Dosage form and strength | Tablets: 10mg, 30mg, 60mg | 10mg nasal spray |
| Administration | Take 1 capsule by mouth daily with or without food. | Give 1 spray in one nostril daily as needed; max dose is 10mg (one spray) in a 24 hour period. Treatment for up to 8 migraines in a 30 day period. |
| Adverse effects | Nausea, constipation and fatigue | Taste disorders, nausea, nasal discomfort, and vomiting |
| Contraindications | None | Patient with history of hypersensitivity to Zavzpret |
| Drug Interactions | CYP3A4 inhibitors: 10mg daily; OATP inhibitors: 10 or 30mg once daily | Avoid drugs that inhibit or induce OATP1B3 or NTCP transporters; avoid intranasal decongestants or administer 1 hour after Zavzpret |
Psoriasis
There are currently 125 million in the world that have psoriasis, with 30% of those also suffering with psoriatic arthritis. Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin disease that speeds up growth of the cell cycle. It often manifests as patches of thick red skin and silvery scales on the elbows, knees and scalp but can also cover the entire skin. Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammation of the joints and has the same signs and symptoms as psoriasis. Psoriasis has a variety of different treatments, from light therapy and topical steroids to biologics both in oral and injectable administration forms. There are two new medications on the market, Vtama ® and Sotyktu ®. Vtama is the first ever cream of its kind that is non-steroidal and uses a aryl-hydrocarbon receptor agonist that downregulates pro-inflammatory markers and reduces inflammation. Sotyktu ® is the first oral medication in its class for psoriasis.
| Vtama (tapinrof) | Sotyktu (deucravacitinib) | |
| Approval | 2022 | |
| Class | Aryl-hydrocarbon receptor agonist | Tyrosine kinase inhibitor |
| Indication | Topical treatment of plaque psoriasis in adults. | Treatment of adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy. |
| Dosage form and strength | Cream: 1% (each gram contains 10mg of tapinrof) | Tablets: 6mg |
| Administration | Take 1 capsule by mouth daily with or without food. | 6mg tablet once daily with or without food. |
| Adverse effects | Folliculitis, nasopharyngitis, contact dermatitis, headache, pruritis, and influenza | Upper respiratory infection, increased blood creatine phosphokinase, herpes simplex, mouth ulcers, folliculitis and acne |
| Contraindications | None | Hypersensitivity to deucravacitinib or any of its excipients. |
| Warnings and precautions | None | Hypersensitivity, infections, tuberculosis, malignancy, rhabdomyolysis and elevated CPK, abdomoral labs (triglycerides); immunizations (avoid with live vaccines); Not to be used in those with severe hepatic impairment |
Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high blood glucose levels due to the body’s inability to use insulin effectively. This condition is a major global health concern, affecting millions of people worldwide. In fact, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), the prevalence of type 2 diabetes has been steadily increasing over the years and is expected to continue to rise in the future. Currently there are a variety of medications for Type 2 diabetes. Brenzavvy ® is a new medication in the class of SGLT2 inhibitors.
| Brenzavvy (bexagliflozin) | |
| Approval | 2023 |
| Class | Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor |
| Indication | With diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes. |
| Dosage form and strength | Tablets: 20mg |
| Administration | Once daily taken in the morning with or without food |
| Adverse effects | Female genital mycotic infections, urinary tract infections and increased urination |
| Contraindications | Hypersensitivity to bexagliflozin; patient on dialysis |
| Warnings and precautions | Ketoacidosis, lower limb amputations, volume depletion; urosepsis and pyelonephritis, hypoglycemia, necrotizing fasciitis, genital mycotic infection |
Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects the brain, leading to a decline in memory, thinking, and behavior. The disease is characterized by the buildup of abnormal proteins in the brain that cause damage to nerve cells, leading to their death. The prevalence of AD is increasing in America, with an estimated 6.7 million people ages 65 years and older currently living with the disease. As there is currently no cure for AD, early detection and management of symptoms are essential for improving the quality of life for those affected by the disease. Early this year, the FDA has approved Leqembi ®, a treatment for early AD, which may slow down cognitive decline in the early stages.
| Leqembi (lecanemab-irmb) | |
| Approval | 2023 |
| Class | Amyloid beta-directed antibody |
| Indication | Indicated for treatment of Alzheimer disease. Should be initiated in patients with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia stage of disease |
| Dosage form and strength | 500mg/5mL (100mg/mL) solution in a single dose vial; 200mg/2mL (100mg/mL) in a single dose vial |
| Administration | IV infusion over 1 hour once every 2 weeks |
| Adverse effects | Infusion related reactions, headaches, and amyloid related imaging abnormalities (ARIA)-edema |
| Contraindications | None |
| Warnings and precautions | Amyloid related imaging abnormalities (ARIA), infusion related reactions |
As of 2023, there have been numerous advancements in the development of novel drugs across various therapeutic areas. The pharmaceutical industry has continued to invest heavily in research and development, resulting in the approval of several innovative drugs with improved efficacy and safety profiles. With ongoing research and development, it is likely that we will continue to see advancements in the field of novel drugs in the years to come, providing patients with new treatment options and hope for better outcomes.
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