Study: NJ biopharma companies are tops in heart meds
Think of New Jersey as the king of hearts.
A new study finds New Jersey biopharmaceutical companies have produced more new heart medications than those in any other state.
U.S. companies had 200 heart meds in various stages of development last year, with 49 of those coming from companies with operations in New Jersey, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America study found. The industry advocacy group issued the findings in connection with National Heart Awareness month.
Drugs with a New Jersey connection include Entresto, a medication treating post-acute myocardial infarction from Novartis, a Swiss company with U.S. headquarters in East Hanover. The drug is in phase III testing.
Additionally, Bristol-Myers Squibb’s research and manufacturing headquarters in Princeton is in phase I testing with BMS-986224, a medication designed to help people at risk for acute heart failure. And Kenilworth-based Merck is in phase I testing for AF-130, a drug that treats hypertension.
California came in second with 39 heart medications that are being tested or were brought to market in 2017 by its biopharma companies. Massachusetts came in third with 19, and Maryland came in third with 15.
The list of heart medications can be found here. Of the 200 medications, 42 are for treating heart failure, 25 for lipid disorders and 23 are for treating stroke victims.
New Jersey hosts operations of 14 of the world’s 20 largest pharmaceutical companies including Johnson & Johnson and Merck.