New therapeutic agents marketed in 1993.

In 1993, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved 25 new molecular entities (NMEs), 23 of which are for therapeutic use and two are diagnostic agents. Eleven of the NMEs for therapeutic use, as well a new biological agent intended for therapeutic use, were both approved and marketed in the United States in 1993. In addition, 11 other NMEs that the FDA approved before 1993 (most in late 1992) were marketed during the year. Thus, a total of 23 therapeutic agents reached the U.S. market for the first time in 1993, a considerably lower number than the 30 new therapeutic agents marketed in 1992 and the record number 31 new agents marketed in 1991. Many of the 13 therapeutic agents approved in 1993 but not marketed before the end of the year have become available in early 1994. This review of the therapeutic agents first marketed in 1993 considers their most important properties and, when possible, compares them with other available agents with similar properties. Of the 23 new therapeutic agents, 22 are considered in this paper. The one agent not reviewed is flosequinan, which was withdrawn from the market after being available only several months because of a concern about toxicity. This discussion of new drugs focuses on the most important properties of these agents; when additional information is needed, more comprehensive references and the product literature should be consulted.