Top 10 Breakthroughs and Innovations of 2023 in the Healthcare Landscape

In the continuously evolving landscape of healthcare, each passing year unveils certain advancements and challenges. The 2023 healthcare dynamics involve notable breakthroughs, covering crucial drug approvals, along with pivotal vaccine advancements, all intertwined with the convergence of technology and biotechnology. As we progress into 2024, it is imperative to acknowledge that this year has played a pivotal role in shaping the medical ecosystem and extending the boundaries beyond the horizon.

From mergers and acquisitions to major product launches, here are some of the key highlights of 2023 poised to redefine the healthcare landscape in years to come.

FDA Approves the First Ever CRISPR Gene Editing Treatment

In December 2023, the U.S. FDA approved the first ever CRISPR gene-editing technology for sickle cell disease. Made under the collaboration of Vertex and CRISPR Therapeutics, the new treatment called exa-cel edits a gene present in red blood cell shape and function. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 5% of the global population carries the trait genes for sick cell disease, making it a highly critical area of concern amongst researchers. Exa-cel functions by directly an enzyme called Cas9 to the BCL11A gene, which prevents the production of a specific hemoglobin found only in fetuses. It is a curative therapy that has been tested in around 100 people infected with sickle cell disease or beta thalassemia.

Hope for Combating Obesity as Various Drugs Get FDA Approvals

The incidence of obesity is on the rise and is projected to affect 51% (over 4 billion people) by 2035. As per the current trend, 1 in 4 people are expected to be affected by obesity, with lower income countries facing a rapid surge. In June 2023, the FDA approved Wegovy (semaglutide) injection (2.4 mg once weekly) for patients suffering from at least one of the weight related conditions (like high blood pressure, cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes). It helps in morbidity mitigation by mimicking glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) hormone that regulates appetite and food intake. However, there have been minor concerns related to its side effects.

In addition, In November 2023, Eli Lilly and Company's Zepbound™ (tirzepatide) injection also received FDA approval based on the results of phase 3 SURMOUNT-1 and SURMOUNT-2 trials, wherein, 1 in 3 patients taking Zepbound at the highest dose lost around 25% of their body weight.

As per the current trend, 1 in 4 people are expected to be affected by obesity, with lower income countries facing a rapid surge. Owing to the rising prevalence, the advent of such drugs is expected to help patients get rid of the persistent condition and related issues.

WHO Unveils a Global Initiative on Digital Health

The World Health Organization, in partnership with the G20 India Presidency, announced a revolutionary digital initiative in August 2023. The ‘Global Initiative on Digital Health’ is expected to operate as a platform to support as well as implement the Global Strategy on Digital Health 2020-2025. The program aims to align, support, and facilitate quality technical assistance to improve interoperable systems as well as provide digital transformation tools to enable governments in better management of their digital transformation journey. Digital Health is poised to accelerate healthcare advances and help achieve Universal Health Coverage along with Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

Nobel Prize in Medicine Awarded for mRNA COVID Vaccine

To lower the rising burden and risk of COVID-19, Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman developed mRNA vaccines against the virus, for which they received Nobel Prize in Medicine in 2023. The transformative breakthrough during a global health crisis underscores the critical role played by the two Nobel laureates. In addition, the development of mRNA-based vaccinations opens the horizons for other persistent infectious illnesses as well. Overall, more than 13 billion COVID-19 vaccinations have been administered to people worldwide, preventing the disease progression effectively.

FDA Approval for Novel Alzheimer Treatment

In January 2023, the U.S. FDA approved Leqembi, Eisai and Biogen’s first medicine proven to slow down Alzheimer progression in the patients. Owing to its injectable nature, it is a more convenient and effective method of drug administration. The approval was based on the positive results shown in Phase 3 randomized, controlled clinical trial, which supported the Accelerated Approval Pathway of the medicine. Alzheimer’s disease is a highly critical and irreversible brain disorder that affects approximately 6.5 million people in the United States only. 

Transformative Mergers and Acquisitions Reshaping the Treatment Landscape

In October 2023, Amgen acquired Horizon Therapeutics plc. for USD 27.8 billion, following the approval of US Federal Trade Commission. The deal aligns with Amgen’s core strategy of offering an improved inflammation medicine portfolio to the patients. Tepezza (teprotumumab-trbw) for thyroid eye disease (TED), Krystexxa (pegloticase) for chronic refractory gout treatment, and Uplizna (inebilizumab-cdon) are some of the new additions in Amgen’s portfolio. The acquisition is expected to accelerate the revenue growth and add non-GAAP earnings per share by 2024.

In December 2023, Pfizer announced the completion of Seagen Inc. acquisition in a whopping USD 43 billion deal. The partnership is aimed at leveraging Seagen’s ADC (antibody-drug conjugate) technology to provide better therapeutics for cancer. With the addition of four new in-line medicines, Pfizer’s oncology portfolio now consists of over 25 approved medicines for more than 40 indications. In addition, there has been an add on of over 60 programs ranging across numerous modalities, including ADCs, bispecifics, immunotherapies and small molecules.

First Nonprescription Daily Oral Contraceptive Approved by the FDA

In July 2023, Opill (norgestrel) tablet, a nonprescription progestin only oral contraceptive pill, received the FDA approval to be sold as an over-the-counter drug at convenience stores, drug stores as well as online pharmacies. Conventionally, oral contraceptives have been made available only through prescription. This transition is poised to help women avoid unintended pregnancies as well as related complications. The pill can be taken any time of the day, and it is deemed safe and effective by the healthcare professionals.

Innovation in Prosthetic Limbs Allows Pain Relief and Better Sense of Control

The rising advancements in prosthetic technology have given rise to a bionic arm that can be seamlessly integrated with the user's skeleton. In October 2023, researchers at Bionics Institute in Australia and founder of the Center for Bionics and Pain Research (CBPR) in Sweden unveiled a bionic arm that can be connected to the nervous system via electrodes implanted in the nerves and muscles, making it a significant leap in the field. The latest invention tackles the issue of phantom limb pain, a common issue for those undergoing amputation. The involvement of nerves has led to a significant drop in the pain levels (from a 5 to a 3). Such technologies are anticipated to improve the quality of lives of many individuals in the future.

Diabetes Management Made Convenient with Non-Invasive Glucose Monitors

The market witnessed a significant breakthrough in July 2023 in diabetes management as the researchers at Yonsei University in South Korea developed a wearable, fluorescence emitting patch to monitor blood sugar levels without any skin piercing. As per a study published in the Science Advances, the thin, biodegradable, and invisible patch has measured blood sugar levels effectively in mice. Diabetes is a chronic disease projected to affect approximately 1.3 billion people in the coming 30 years. Hence, the non-invasive method can be found highly useful to avoid painful side effects caused by conventional glucose monitors that often lead to hard calluses on the skin.

New Drug for Postpartum Depression Gets FDA Approval

In August 2023, Biogen Inc. and Sage Therapeutics, Inc., developed Zurzuvae (zuranolone), the first ever oral medicine for postpartum depression (PPD) received FDA approval. The approval was based on the positive results from Phase 3 clinical trials of SKYLARK study treatment. Postpartum depression affects 1 in 8 women globally and incidence may differ based on age, race, ethnicity, and state. Conventionally, treatment for PPD has been administered by IV injection, however, this breakthrough is expected to ease medication administration.

As we end the remarkable year of 2023, the healthcare sector has emerged as a hotbed of innovation and advancements. This year has left an enduring market on the global healthcare landscape. Evidently, this year has set the stage for the future, wherein inventions continue to bring positive change and improved well-being worldwide.

*At Expert Market Research, we strive to always give you current and accurate information. The numbers depicted in the description are indicative and may differ from the actual numbers in the final EMR report.