Pharmaceutical innovations shine on TIME’s list of best inventions for 2023

USA —Seven leading pharmaceutical companies have claimed their place on TIME’s annual list of the Best Inventions for 2023, a testament to the strides made in the field of pharmaceuticals.

Among the honored companies, namely, Biogen, Eisai, GSK, Novo Nordisk, Provention Bio, Sage Therapeutics, and Sanofi. Revance Therapeutics’ Daxxify secured a well-deserved spot in the beauty category.

TIME’s prestigious annual list features a remarkable array of “200 extraordinary innovations changing lives.”

The selection process involved nominations from TIME’s editors and correspondents worldwide, in addition to an open online application process.

Notably, the evaluation criteria focused on various pivotal factors, including originality, effectiveness, ambition, and impact.

While the list has previously featured pharmaceuticals, it predominantly leaned towards vaccines or COVID-related products in the past.

However, this year’s inclusion of pharmaceutical breakthroughs showcases the industry’s diverse and transformative potential across various facets of healthcare and aesthetics.

Pharmaceutical pioneers shine

This year, the spotlight shone on seven pharmaceutical companies that have brought transformative innovations to the world of medical care.

Among them, Biogen secured two remarkable spots on the list. One, in partnership with Eisai, was for their groundbreaking Alzheimer’s drug, Leqembi, and with Sage Therapeutics for postpartum treatment Zurzuvae.

Leqembi represents the first and only approved treatment for individuals grappling with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia in the context of Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive and irreversible neurodegenerative condition affecting millions in the United States.

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) emerged as another prominent figure, celebrated for its groundbreaking achievement in the field with the RSV vaccine Arexvy.

Pfizer’s Abrysvo, tailored for older adults and pregnant women, and Sanofi’s Beyfortus antibody designed for infants also garnered mentions for their pivotal contributions to the medical care category.

Novo Nordisk made a significant mark with its semaglutide product portfolio, encompassing Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus.

These innovations have redefined the treatment landscape for type 2 diabetes and obesity. While semaglutide has enjoyed high demand, it is essential to heed the FDA’s cautions about inappropriate use and potential side effects.

The list also featured Sanofi and Provention Bio for their Tzield biologic, an innovation that has gained approval for delaying the onset of type 1 diabetes.

These pharmaceutical breakthroughs underscore the industry’s commitment to advancing medical care and making a positive impact on people’s lives.

Beauty and beyond

In the beauty category, TIME recognized Revance’s Daxxify as a notable wrinkle-reducing competitor to AbbVie and Allergan Aesthetics’ market leader, Botox. The upcoming medical application of Daxxify to treat cervical dystonia further adds to its accolades.

The TIME list has expanded to encompass 200 inventions, spanning categories from AI, apps, and AR to food, household, and productivity.

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