Report Shows New York City Companies Playing Key Role In Development of New Medicines for Wide Range o...( NEW YORK July 28 -- A ...),Health

NEW YORK, July 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A record 488 new, innovative medicines are being developed by biopharmaceutical research companies with facilities in New York City, according to a new report released today at the Bronx-Lebanon Medical Center. The medicines are awaiting approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or are in human clinical trials.

New York Mets and Yankees legend Darryl Strawberry, a two-time colon cancer survivor, described his battle against this potentially devastating disease at the release of Medicines in Development New York City 2009, issued by the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA).

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. joined today's press conference to discuss the potential for expanding the role of The Bronx in developing new life-saving medicines. Currently, there are 23 sites in The Bronx where clinical trials are conducted, and 334 active clinical trials are now underway in the borough, which is home to many top healthcare institutions.

"The healthcare industry is already our borough's largest employer, and we should do everything we can to expand its economic presence in The Bronx," said Diaz.

The report includes 52 cutting-edge medicines for stroke and heart disease, and 128 for cancer - two of the leading chronic diseases both in New York City and nationwide. One potential medicine for patients is for colorectal cancer, derived from bacteria found in soil, keeps tumor cells from dividing.

"The medicines now in the research pipelines of these New York City companies are contributing significantly to the incredible progress made by America's pharmaceutical research and biotechnology companies in developing new and more effective treatments for a wide range of diseases," said PhRMA Senior Vice President Ken Johnson, who provided an overview of the report.
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