There is a growing shift from treating diseases to preventing them, according to Dr. Michael Ybarra, MD , chief medical officer of PhRMA.

PhRMA’s latest Medicines in Development report highlights a significant trend in preventive medicine, which could improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs related to chronic diseases. The report points to a pipeline of nearly 1,200 medicines in development, reflecting advancements such as oral PCSK9 inhibitors for cholesterol management and monoclonal antibodies for conditions like asthma.

“This is just the tip of the iceberg,” said Dr. Ybarra, emphasizing the potential these innovations hold. Among the medicines in development are 62 targeting heart disease, 99 for breast cancer (a record high), and 53 for depression.

Ybarra also acknowledged the inherent challenges of drug development, noting that only one in 10 medicines typically make it to market. This underscores the importance of maintaining a robust regulatory environment that supports innovation.

He added that current GLP-1s and GLP/GIP combination therapies, already used for treating diabetes and obesity, are also showing promise in preventing related complications, including heart attacks, strokes, and certain cancers, potentially improving long-term health outcomes.