Singapore, Feb 1, 2008:  Over 450 drugs are currently in development by Australian biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, with a significant number of compounds in advanced clinical trials, according to a new data revealed in a report from Innovation Dynamics. These findings have been released in Innovation Dynamics’ Australia New Zealand (ANZ) Drug Pipeline database, which is the leading, most comprehensive regional Drug Pipeline database commercially available.

“Our new data indicates that the biotechnology industry is clearly maturing, with more companies moving forward into phase III trials and looking toward reaching market,” said Dr Lyndal Thorburn, Managing Director of Innovation Dynamics.

Dr Lyndal Thorburn further said, “The Australian drug development pipeline is looking very strong, with a total of 182 compounds in human clinical trials (phase I to III), and a significant proportion (60%) of these in phases II and III.”

Analysis has revealed an 8% increase in the number of drugs in development since this time last year. The most significant increase was in oncology, already the largest therapeutic area, rising 29% in twelve months. Neurology (and Analgaesia) also showed a significant increase, rising 16% in the last twelve months.

The Drug Pipeline database provides information on development by both publicly listed and private companies, the latter being not readily available from public sources. It details over 450 drugs grouped into ten therapeutic indications, covering early stage research / discovery to pivotal phase III clinical trials.

Information from the database is used by Australian and international pharmaceutical companies, government agencies, venture capital investors and service providers.