America's biopharmaceutical companies are using biological processes to develop 907 medicines and vaccines targeting more than 100 diseases, according to a new report released by the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA).

The report includes biologics in human clinical trials or under review by the UFDA such as: 338 cancer therapeutics that target several different types of solid tumors, leukemia and lymphoma; 134 vaccines for infectious diseases; 71 medicines for autoimmune diseases including lupus, multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis; and 58 treatments for cardiovascular disease.

"These medicines reflect the cutting-edge research being conducted across the country by biopharmaceutical companies in order to provide new treatment options to patients," said John J. Castellani, president and CEO of PhRMA.

The biologic medicines now in development make use of a range of new technologies to harness scientific progress. Among the biologic medicines in development are: a genetically-modified virus-based vaccine to treat melanoma; a monoclonal antibody for the treatment of asthma; an antisense therapy for the treatment of leukemia; and a recombinant fusion protein to treat type 2 diabetes.

"In order to realize the full potential of novel biologics to improve human health, it is essential to maintain public policy and regulatory environments to support the research and development that drives biomedical innovation," said Castellani.

The U.S. biopharmaceutical research sector supports nearly four million jobs across the economy, invests billions of dollars in research and development each year, and accounts for nearly 20% of all domestic R&D funded by U.S. businesses generating high-quality, high-wage jobs, powering the U.S. economy, and developing critical new treatments against our most costly and challenging diseases.

The Biologic Medicines in Development report, as well as an overview and other supplementary materials, are available on PhRMA's website.