Hindsight · review build · data not yet validated
Bioengineered treatments have reduced the toll from cancer, heart disease, and a variety of other health problems.
Grader A: hit
Biotechnology drugs did reduce the burden of disease by 2009. Trastuzumab, a recombinant monoclonal antibody approved in 1998, improved survival in HER2-positive breast cancer (hazard ratio 0.66 in early disease). Other biologics for cancer, arthritis and other conditions were in routine use.
Test: Routine use by at least 20% of the relevant industry: recombinant biologics standard of care for HER2+ breast cancer by 2009; survival benefit measured (HR 0.66).
Grader B: hit
By 2009 bioengineered drugs were in standard use and reduced deaths from specific diseases. Trastuzumab (Herceptin), a humanized monoclonal antibody approved in September 1998, cut death risk in early-stage HER2+ breast cancer (overall survival hazard ratio 0.66). Other recombinant and antibody drugs (rituximab, bevacizumab, tPA, erythropoietin) were also standard care. Cancer and heart disease mortality fell over the decade, partly because of these treatments. Much of the heart-disease decline came from conventional drugs and prevention, so 'bioengineered' is a contributor, not the whole cause.
Test: Test: bioengineered treatments in routine clinical use with measurable mortality benefit by 2009. Trastuzumab: standard HER2+ care, overall-survival hazard ratio 0.66 in early disease.