The fight against some of the world's most troubling diseases is changing, with innovative medicines enriching outcomes. In the U.S., the death rate from HIV/AIDS has dropped by nearly 85 percent since its peak in the mid-1990s, transforming an acute, fatal illness to a chronic condition. It is estimated that, as a result of innovative medicines, over 862,000 premature deaths have been avoided and nearly 27 million life-years have been gained. Earlier diagnoses and new treatments have helped boost the 5-year cancer survival rate to 68 percent. And while hepatitis C was incurable in half of patients just a decade ago, new treatments have cure rates upwards of 90 percent and have far fewer side effects.
Unfortunately, major health challenges remain unsolved. But with more than 7,000 medicines in development globally, and by continuing to work with patients, we get closer to new treatments and more cures, every day.