PhRMA: 215 drugs under development for cardiovascular disease

WASHINGTON — More than 200 drugs are under development for cardiovascular disease, according to a drug industry trade group.

The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America announced Wednesday the release of a report showing that 215 drugs are under development for heart disease and stroke. More than 83 million Americans have at least one type of cardiovascular disease, and a person in the United States dies from it every 39 seconds, according to the American Heart Association.

"Safe and effective medicines that control blood pressure and lower cholesterol have helped to significantly reduce deaths from heart disease," PhRMA president and CEO John Castellani said. "The cardiovascular therapies in the pipeline reflect the commitment of America's biopharmaceutical research companies to build on the progress made to date and help patients lead longer and healthier lives."

The drugs under development — all of them in clinical trials or under review by the Food and Drug Administration — include 30 for heart failure, 29 for lipid disorders, 19 for stroke and 17 for high blood pressure.