Consideration of the Root Causes in Candidate Attrition During Oncology Drug Development.

This article discusses the high attrition rate of oncology drugs, which leads to increased costs for drug developers. The success rate for oncology drugs is relatively low, with only 1 in 20 new chemical entities receiving approval. The primary reasons for drug attrition have shifted from inappropriate pharmacokinetics to a lack of efficacy and safety. Strategies to reduce attrition include careful selection of animal models and biomarkers during early drug development stages, as well as the use of biologics, which have a higher success rate. The article also analyzes the factors contributing to drug failure and discusses potential measures to mitigate attrition, such as investment in paradigm-shifting drugs and the use of biomarkers. A survey was conducted to gather insights from experts and clinical professionals on the attrition of oncology drugs. The article highlights the increasing trend of discontinued oncology drugs and the factors that contribute to drug attrition. The number of failed drugs has doubled in the past 8 years and is projected to triple by 2023. Half of the discontinued drugs occur in Phase 1 trials, indicating that attrition can happen early in development. Reasons for drug attrition include lack of efficacy, safety issues, strategic considerations, and unspecified concerns. Small molecules have a higher attrition rate compared to biologics, and certain cancer types, such as lung cancer, have a higher number of discontinued drugs. Financial considerations also play a significant role in drug development. The study examines the factors contributing to the high attrition [Extracted from the article]