There were roughly 40 million Americans over the age of 65 in 2010, but as the baby boomer generation continues to reach the monumental age, the number of Americans in that class is expected to increase to 70 million in 2030.
After a 56-year dearth, the FDA has finally signed off on a new medication for lupus. Last week, the agency approved Human Genome Sciences Inc.'s and partner GlaxoSmithKline plc's Benlysta (belimumab) for treating systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). (See Bioworld Today, Mar. 11, 2011.)
Increased demand for a drug is a welcome outcome of gaining regulatory approval and successful marketing. But scaling up production of biologics isn't easy.
