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December 12, 2023
Executive Summary
Medical Advances of 2023: Transformative Treatments and Innovations
The year 2023 heralded groundbreaking advancements in medical science, introducing revolutionary treatments that promise to reshape healthcare.
Among these pivotal breakthroughs are:
- 1.CRISPR Gene Editing: On December 8, the FDA approved Casgevy, the world’s maiden CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing therapy. Specifically engineered to combat sickle cell disease, this treatment facilitates the production of healthy hemoglobin, countering the abnormal hemoglobin responsible for the disease’s manifestation. The FDA plans to evaluate its potential in treating beta-thalassemia, a condition characterized by diminished hemoglobin production, by March 2024.
- 2.Alzheimer’s Drug: Lecanemab, also known as Leqembi, garnered full FDA approval in July. Functioning similarly to aducanumab (approved in 2021), this drug targets amyloid plaques prevalent in Alzheimer’s patients. Although it doesn’t halt the disease progression entirely, clinical trials revealed that lecanemab mitigated cognitive decline by approximately 30% over 18 months compared to a placebo.
- 3.Gene Therapy for Muscular Dystrophy: June saw the FDA’s endorsement of the first gene therapy aimed at addressing Duchenne muscular dystrophy in children. This condition, characterized by the absence of dystrophin protein due to a faulty gene, results in muscle degeneration. The therapy aids in producing a form of the absent protein, potentially stabilizing muscle cells.
- 4.RSV Prevention: Multiple methods to shield against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) emerged in 2023. Arexvy, the first RSV vaccine for adults aged 60 and above, gained FDA approval in May, followed by Abrysvo, a vaccine intended for pregnant individuals in August. Additionally, a monoclonal antibody secured approval in July to safeguard children under 2 years old from RSV-related hospitalizations. However, due to limited supplies, the CDC recommended prioritizing high-risk infants for this therapy.
- 5.Postpartum Depression Pill: Zurzuvae (zuranolone), FDA-approved in August, represents a crucial advancement in treating postpartum depression. This oral medication offers relief in as little as three days, a stark contrast to the previous requirement of a lengthy intravenous infusion in a hospital setting.
- 6.Over-the-Counter Birth Control: July marked a significant milestone as norgestrel, a daily birth control pill first sanctioned in 1973, became available without a prescription. This move holds immense significance for reproductive autonomy, especially in light of restricted abortion access due to state bans.
- 7.Chikungunya Vaccine: In November, the FDA sanctioned the inaugural vaccine combating the chikungunya virus, transmitted via mosquitoes. While the virus primarily thrives in tropical regions, its expansion into new territories prompted this proactive measure to prevent fever, severe joint pain, and potential fatalities, especially among newborns.
- 8.Narcan Over-the-Counter: In a critical move to combat the opioid epidemic, the FDA approved Narcan, a nasal spray capable of reversing opioid overdoses, for over-the-counter sale in March. This decision aims to enhance accessibility to this life-saving drug, hoping to stem the epidemic that claimed nearly 645,000 lives due to overdoses between 1999 and 2021.
These momentous medical advancements not only signify significant progress in combatting various ailments but also hold the promise of transforming healthcare accessibility and treatment effectiveness on a global scale.
New treatments include the first CRISPR gene-editing therapy, an Alzheimer’s drug and RSV vaccines
Erin Wayman is the managing editor for print and longform content at Science News. She has a master’s degree in biological anthropology from the University of California, Davis and a master’s degree in science writing from Johns Hopkins University.
Full version Originally published at https://www.sciencenews.org on December 14, 2023.
