2024's Most Influential Drug and Vaccine Approvals — As Selected by GoodRx Pharmacists

The FDA approves hundreds of medications every year. Some of them are innovative medications that are the first of their kind. Others are medications that follow in the footsteps of a larger family of drugs. Many more are new generics or biosimilars that aim to offer additional savings opportunities.

Every new medication deserves its time in the spotlight. But due to the nature of a medication’s expected impact, some new FDA approvals represent especially meaningful steps forward.

Here, we’ll review some of the most influential drug and vaccine approvals of 2024, all selected by GoodRx Health pharmacists. But keep in mind this isn’t an exhaustive list.

Disclaimer: While creating this list, we prioritized first-in-class medications and vaccines that are expected to have a significant impact on human health. This was defined as either the number of lives touched or the expected degree of impact for future medication recipients. We also prioritized medications with effectiveness or safety data that represent a notable advantage over other medications recommended by clinical treatment guidelines or mainstay medical organizations.

Summary of 2024 approvals

Many medications were approved in 2024 — and more are on deck for 2025. Here’s a summary of 23 of the most notable approvals from the year.

Let’s review each of these medications and vaccines in more detail.

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1. Opdivo Qvantig for solid tumors

What is it: Opdivo Qvantig (nivolumab / hyaluronidase-nvhy) is a cancer medication that’s injected under the skin. It’s a type of PD-1 inhibitor, which is an immunotherapy that helps your immune system fight cancer. Opdivo Qvantig is very similar to Opdivo (nivolumab), which is infused into a vein. It treats most of the same cancers, with the exception of mesothelioma and Hodgkin lymphoma. But it’s only approved for use in adults.

FDA approval date: December 27, 2024

How it’s taken: Opdivo Qvantig is given every 2 to 4 weeks, depending on what you’re using it for. Your cancer specialist will likely administer the medication to you.

Why Opdivo Qvantig’s approval matters

Opdivo Qvantig is the first PD-1 inhibitor to be FDA approved for subcutaneous administration. This means it can be given as an injection under the skin that only takes a few minutes. Traditional Opdivo is administered every 2 to 4 weeks as an intravenous (IV) infusion, by comparison. It’s infused over the course of 30 minutes.

Opdivo Qvantig is coformulated with hyaluronidase to enhance absorption, and it was compared with traditional Opdivo in a clinical trial. Results showed that the subcutaneous route worked just as well with similar side effects as the IV route.

2. Zepbound for obstructive sleep apnea

What is it: Zepbound (tirzepatide) is a once-weekly injection. It was initially approved for weight loss, but it’s now also approved to treat moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults who are considered obese. OSA is a sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops because the airway gets blocked during sleep.

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

• Treatments on deck: Many medications are slated for approval in 2025 and beyond. Here’s a preview of highly anticipated treatments that are pending approval.

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• A growing sector: Weight-loss drugs are one rapidly expanding group of medications. Discover the highlights of what’s on the horizon.

FDA approval date: December 20, 2024

How it’s taken: Zepbound is administered under the skin once a week in your stomach, thigh, or upper arm. It works best when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and routine exercise.

Why Zepbound’s approval matters

Zepbound is now the first FDA-approved medication for OSA. It has the potential to improve the lives of many people.

OSA can affect anyone. But OSA, excess body weight, and Type 2 diabetes are often linked together. During clinical trials, up to half of people receiving the highest Zepbound dose saw their OSA resolve. This was based on how many breath-holding episodes they had per hour and excessive daytime sleepiness scores.

3. Nemluvio for eczema and prurigo nodularis

What is it: Nemluvio (nemolizumab) is an injectable medication. It treats moderate-to-severe eczema (atopic dermatitis) in people age 12 and older and prurigo nodularis (PN) in adults. Eczema is a skin condition that causes dry, itchy rashes, while PN causes itchy, raised bumps on the skin.

FDA approval date: December 14, 2024 (eczema), August 13, 2024 (PN)

How it’s taken: Nemluvio is injected under the skin once a month. But if you’re prescribed Nemluvio for eczema and end up seeing positive results, you may be able to eventually inject it once every 8 weeks (2 months) instead.

Why Nemluvio’s approval matters

Nemluvio is the first and only medication of its kind in the U.S. Unlike other medications for eczema and PN, Nemluvio works by blocking interleukin-31 (IL-31) signalling. IL-31 is a protein involved in inflammation and is a driving factor behind symptoms such as itchiness. For both conditions, this new target is ideal for those who are looking for additional relief from a different treatment option.

4. Dupixent for COPD

What is it: Dupixent (dupilumab) is a monoclonal antibody that treats several health conditions — now including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It’s FDA approved as an add-on maintenance treatment for adults with inadequately controlled COPD and an eosinophilic phenotype.

FDA approval date: September 27, 2024

How it’s taken: You can self-inject Dupixent subcutaneously (under the skin) once every 2 weeks for COPD. It’s meant to be used with other COPD medications. You shouldn’t use it by itself.

Why Dupixent’s approval matters

Dupixent is the first biologic medication for COPD. Its approval is notable from a scientific lens; many other biologics haven’t performed well in COPD clinical trials. Data shows that Dupixent can help reduce COPD symptom flare-ups and improve lung function over time.

In clinical trials, Dupixent was studied in adults with uncontrolled COPD who were receiving a combination of three different inhaled therapies. Participants also had evidence of type 2 inflammation, which was based on eosinophil (white blood cell) levels. Type 2 inflammation is present in some people living with COPD, increasing the risk of flare-ups.

After 52 weeks (1 year), people receiving Dupixent had about a 30% reduction in moderate or severe symptom flare-ups compared to placebo. Lung function was also significantly improved at 12 weeks, and participants maintained that gain in function at the end of a year. 

5. Cobenfy for schizophrenia

What is it: Cobenfy (xanomeline / trospium chloride) is an oral medication that treats schizophrenia in adults. Cobenfy was widely known as KarXT during clinical development.

FDA approval date: September 26, 2024

How it’s taken: Cobenfy comes as an oral capsule. You should take it twice daily, ideally 1 hour before a meal or at least 2 hours after eating.

Why Cobenfy’s approval matters

Most antipsychotic medications for schizophrenia work by blocking the effects of a chemical called dopamine. Some also help to balance a chemical called serotonin. This isn’t the case with Cobenfy, though. Cobenfy doesn’t directly affect serotonin or dopamine at all. It’s the first new type of schizophrenia medication to be approved in decades.

Cobenfy has two main ingredients: xanomeline and trospium. Xanomeline is what treats schizophrenia. It works by stimulating specific muscarinic receptors (chemical binding sites) in the brain. Trospium blocks xanomeline’s effects in the rest of the body, making it more targeted and lessening the potential for side effects.

During clinical trials, Cobenfy provided a statistically significant reduction in schizophrenia symptoms. And because it works differently, Cobenfy hasn’t been shown to cause weight gain, movement problems, and other side effects typically associated with antipsychotic medications.

6. FluMist for self- or caregiver-administration

What is it: FluMist (influenza nasal vaccine) is an annual flu vaccine that’s approved for adults and kids age 2 to 49. 

FDA approval date: September 20, 2024

How it’s taken: FluMist is sprayed directly into the nose. It’s traditionally been given by healthcare professionals. Moving forward, though, you have the option to self-administer the vaccine.

Why FluMist’s approval matters

FluMist is the first and only self-administered flu vaccine. 

Starting in the 2025-2026 flu season, people who are eligible for FluMist will have the option of administering the nasal spray themselves (or by a caregiver). While a prescription is still required, you’ll be able to ship FluMist directly to your home.

FluMist is also the only flu vaccine that’s administered as a nasal spray. All other flu vaccines are injectables.

7. Neffy for severe allergic reactions

What is it: Neffy is a new version of epinephrine. It treats severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. Neffy is similar to an EpiPen (epinephrine), but instead of injecting medicine into your body, you spray it into your nose.

FDA approval date: August 9, 2024

How it’s taken: Neffy is a nasal spray. You should administer 1 spray into one nostril if you’re experiencing a severe allergic reaction. You can spray a second dose after 5 minutes, if needed.

Why Neffy’s approval matters

Neffy’s convenience and ease of use is what makes it stand out. It’s the first non-injectable form of epinephrine. This makes it an enticing option for people who aren’t fond of injections — especially kids. 

Neffy is currently only approved for adults and kids who weigh at least 66 lbs. But it may receive the green light for kids weighing as low as 33 lbs later on.

Want to learn more? Here’s a full article that details need-to-know facts about Neffy.

8. Yorvipath for hypoparathyroidism

What is it: Yorvipath (palopegteriparatide) is an injectable medication that treats hypoparathyroidism. This is a condition that’s caused by low parathyroid hormone levels. This hormone is in charge of regulating calcium in your blood.

FDA approval date: August 9, 2024

How it’s taken: Yorvipath is a subcutaneous injection that you can self-administer once daily. It comes as a prefilled injection pen. Preferred injection sites are your stomach and the front of your thigh.

Why Yorvipath’s approval matters

Yorvipath is the first and only medication for hypoparathyroidism in adults. It’s a prodrug that mimics the natural parathyroid hormone that your body makes.

Yorvipath injections help boost and restore target calcium levels in your bloodstream. The medication also helps reduce (or eliminate) the need to take daily calcium and vitamin D supplements — a common treatment for the condition. 

Yorvipath should be available for use by late 2024 or early 2025.

9. Zunveyl for Alzheimer’s disease

What is it: Zunveyl (benzgalantamine) is an oral medication that treats symptoms of mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s-related dementia. It should be commercially available by early 2025.

FDA approval date: July 29, 2024

How it’s taken: Zunveyl is a delayed-release (DR) tablet that’s taken twice daily. You’ll likely start off by receiving 10 mg of medicine per day and gradually working your way up to 30 mg per day.

Why Zunveyl’s approval matters

Zunveyl’s big selling point is its tolerability.

Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, such as galantamine (Razadyne), are commonly used to treat the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. But these medications often cause gastrointestinal (GI) side effects, including nausea and diarrhea. Zunveyl may lessen these effects.

Zunveyl is a prodrug of galantamine. This means the medication is inactive until it’s converted to galantamine in the liver. Since Zunveyl is inactive in the GI tract where it’s absorbed, it’s thought to have a lower risk of GI side effects compared with galantamine.

10. Voquezna for heartburn from non-erosive GERD

What is it: Voquezna (vonoprazan) is an oral medication that treats heartburn related to non-erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) — among other uses. It’s already available for purchase.

FDA approval date: July 18, 2024

How it’s taken: Voquenza is an oral tablet that’s taken once daily. For heartburn from non-erosive GERD, you’ll typically take 10 mg (1 tablet) by mouth once daily for 4 weeks at a time.

Why Voquezna’s approval matters

Voquezna is now approved for the daily treatment of heartburn from non-erosive GERD in adults. This is the most common form of GERD, and it’s typically treated with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).

Voquezna works differently from PPIs, though. It seems to work faster and for longer, with fewer drug interactions than PPIs. You can also take Voquezna without regard to food.

Previously, the FDA approved Voquezna in November 2023 for erosive GERD (also called erosive esophagitis) as well as heartburn relief for the condition. 

11. Kisunla for Alzheimer’s disease

What is it: Kisunla (donanemab) is an injectable medication that treats early stage symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease. It targets beta-amyloid plaques, a possible root cause of the condition.

FDA approval date: July 2, 2024

How it’s taken: Kisunla is administered as an IV (intravenous) infusion at a healthcare facility. It’s given every 4 weeks.

Why Kisunla’s approval matters

Kisunla helps fight cognitive decline in early stage Alzheimer’s disease. It may help your loved one living with the condition go longer before seeing a decline in their condition.

Kisunla isn’t the only medication in its class, though. Leqembi (lecanemab), first approved in 2023, is another option. The two medications haven’t been directly compared in clinical trials, but Kisunla has a couple possible advantages.

• Treatment duration: People may be able to stop Kisunla within 6 to 18 months if their amyloid plaque levels lower substantially. Leqembi, by comparison, is meant for ongoing use.

• Less frequent infusions: Kisunla is administered once every 4 weeks. Leqembi is administered every 2 weeks. However, Leqembi may be approved for a once-monthly maintenance dosage schedule in January 2025. The manufacturer is also seeking approval for a weekly autoinjector option, meaning that you may be able to give yourself Leqembi injections at home instead of getting an infusion.

One potential advantage that Leqembi offers is tolerability. Kisunla may be more likely to cause amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIAs) on brain scans. These changes may or may not cause noticeable or problematic symptoms.

12. Ohtuvayre for COPD

What is it: Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine) is an inhaled medication that treats COPD in adults. It launched commercially in August 202 4.

FDA approval date: June 26, 2024

How it’s taken: Ohtuvayre is inhaled using a nebulizer. It’s designed to be used twice daily as a maintenance breathing treatment.

Why Ohtuvayre’s approval matters

Ohtuvayre is the first new type of maintenance COPD medication in over 10 years. It works differently than existing COPD treatment options.

Most COPD medications enhance breathing by either lowering inflammation or by relaxing muscles and widening airways (bronchodilation) in the lungs. Inhalers often contain one of each medication type.

Ohtuvayre offers both of these benefits in a single active ingredient. It works by blocking a protein called phosphodiesterase (PDE) 4 to lessen inflammation, similar to roflumilast (Daliresp). But it also blocks PDE 3, which is what provides its bronchodilator effects.

Ohtuvayre, though, isn’t meant for quick relief. And if using a nebulizer isn’t ideal for you, inhaler forms of ensifentrine are currently in phase 2 clinical trials and may be available later on.

13. Wakix for pediatric narcolepsy

What is it: Wakix (pitolisant) is an oral medication that’s approved to treat excessive daytime sleepiness associated with narcolepsy, a chronic sleeping disorder, in adults and kids.

FDA approval date: June 24, 2024

How it’s taken: Wakix is an oral tablet that’s taken once daily. You’ll likely start with a low dose and gradually increase your dose over a few weeks until you reach your target dose.

Why Wakix’s approval matters

Wakix, initially approved in 2019 for narcolepsy in adults, is now a treatment option for pediatric narcolepsy. It can treat excessive daytime sleepiness in kids ages 6 and older.

Before Wakix, Xyrem (sodium oxybate) and Xywav (calcium oxybate / magnesium oxybate / potassium oxybate / sodium oxybate) were the only medications approved for pediatric narcolepsy. But they’re both controlled substances, meaning that they have a risk of dependency and misuse. Xyrem and Xywav also have inconvenient dosing schedules, requiring a dose at bedtime, followed by a second dose a few hours after your child goes to sleep. 

Wakix isn’t a controlled substance, and it’s only taken once a day. 

14. Capvaxive for pneumococcal disease prevention

What is it: Capvaxive is a vaccine that helps prevent pneumococcal disease in adults, including pneumococcal pneumonia. It’s categorized as a 21-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine.

FDA approval date: June 17, 2024

How it’s taken: Capvaxive is given as a single dose into the muscle. A pharmacist, physician, or another healthcare professional can administer it to you. 

Why Capvaxive’s approval matters

There are several vaccines available to prevent pneumococcal disease. Vaxneuvance, Prevnar 20, and Pneumovax 23 are all CDC-recommended for certain kids and adults. Each vaccine contains pieces of different types of pneumococcal bacteria (serotypes).

Capvaxive, made by the same company as Pneumovax 23, is now approved as a pneumococcal vaccine specifically for adults. People ages 18 and older are eligible to receive it.

What makes Capvaxive unique is that it addresses the serotypes responsible for about 84% of invasive pneumococcal disease (e.g., meningitis) in adults ages 50 and older. This includes eight serotypes that aren’t currently covered by the other pneumococcal vaccines.

15. mRESVIA for RSV

What is it: mRESVIA is a mRNA vaccine to prevent lower respiratory tract disease from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). It’s approved for adults ages 60 and older. mRESVIA is currently available for the 2024-2025 respiratory illness season.

FDA approval date: May 31, 2024

How it’s taken: mRESVIA is given as a single dose into the muscle by a healthcare professional. You and your primary care provider can decide if mRESVIA or another RSV vaccine is right for you.

Why mRESVIA’s approval matters

mRESVIA is the first mRNA vaccine to be approved for something other than COVID-19. This breakthrough is encouraging for other mRNA vaccines moving forward.

mRESVIA isn’t the first RSV vaccine, though. Two other RSV vaccines, Arexvy and Abrysvo, were approved in 2023. But these are both protein subunit vaccines — a more conventional vaccine technology. If you want or need another option, mRESVIA is a good choice to consider.

16. Winrevair for pulmonary arterial hypertension

What it is: Winrevair (sotatercept) is a biologic medication that treats pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a type of high blood pressure in the lungs. It’s classified as an activin signaling inhibitor.

FDA approval date: March 26, 2024

How it’s taken: Winrevair is an injectable medication that’s given under the skin. You can inject it at home once every 3 weeks.

Why Winrevair’s approval matters

Medical advancements have helped improve the survival rate among people with PAH. But PAH remains a progressive and life-threatening condition. For those living with PAH, medications can help to slow progression of the condition and improve quality of life. Winrevair is one treatment that can have an additional impact on top of existing PAH treatments.

Taking a step back, PAH happens when the arteries in the lungs become thickened or narrowed. This can make it harder for your heart to pump blood through the lungs, since pressure and resistance is increased. Common PAH symptoms include shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling in your extremities.

Most PAH medications reduce this pressure by widening blood vessels in the lungs or preventing them from narrowing. But Winrevair works differently. It targets the pathway that contributes to structural changes (such as thickening) in pulmonary artery walls. It helps reverse some of these structural changes.

During clinical trials, Winrevair was studied in adults with PAH as well as slight-to-marked limitations in their physical activity even with existing treatments. After nearly 6 months of use, people receiving Winrevair had a significant improvement in the distance they could walk in 6 minutes compared to those taking placebo. They also had significantly reduced pulmonary vascular resistance, which is the force against blood flowing through arteries in the lungs.

17. Nexletol for high cholesterol

What it is: Nexletol (bempedoic acid) is an oral medication that treats high cholesterol in adults alongside a low-cholesterol diet. It’s similar to Nexlizet, a combination pill that contains both bempedoic acid and ezetimibe. Ezetimibe is the active ingredient in Zetia.

FDA approval date: March 22, 2024

How it’s taken: Nexletol is an oral pill that’s taken once daily. It’s considered to be a statin alternative if statins aren’t working for you or are causing bothersome side effects. You also have the option to combine it with a statin for added cholesterol benefits.

Why Nexletol approval matters

Nexletol isn’t actually a new medication. It was initially approved in 2020 for relatively specific uses. Its approval in March 2024 is a broad label expansion that permits many more people to take it for cholesterol management.

Now, this oral medication can treat high cholesterol with or without a statin by its side. It’s also approved to lower the risk of serious cardiovascular problems stemming from high cholesterol, such as a heart attack.

Nexletol offers a unique feature compared to statins, too. It targets a specific enzyme (protein) called adenosine triphosphate-citrate lyase (ACL). This enzyme is active at a different part of the cholesterol creation process than statins are. It also only works in the liver, helping to reduce the risk of muscle-related side effects that are normally associated with statins.

Nexletol's expanded approval ultimately allows for more flexibility in treating high cholesterol, giving people and their prescribers more options to find the best treatment for them. This can lead to better adherence and overall success in managing cholesterol.

18. Tryvio for high blood pressure

What it is: Tryvio (aprocitentan) is a blood pressure medication that’s approved for adults with hard-to-treat high blood pressure. A type of endothelin receptor antagonist, it’s meant to be combined with other blood pressure medications for added benefits. It’s not designed to be taken by itself.

FDA approval date: March 20, 2024

How it’s taken: Tryvio is a once-daily oral tablet. You can take it with or without food.

Why Tryvio’s approval matters

Tryvio’s approval is eye-catching because it’s the first new type of blood pressure medicine in close to 4 decades. But its actual benefit goes far beyond the headline.

For some people, following a diet and exercise plan is enough to keep their blood pressure within range. For others, adding one or more blood pressure medications to the mix can keep things well managed. Unfortunately, for many adults, lifestyle changes and traditional blood pressure medications aren’t enough to keep their blood pressure readings where they should be.

This is where Tryvio steps in. It works differently than other blood pressure medicines. Tryvio stops a protein, called endothelin, from binding to specific receptors in your blood vessels. This helps prevent blood vessel constriction and fluid retention, among other effects.

D. Edmund Anstey, MD, MPH, an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians, gave GoodRx Health more context about why Tryvio’s approach is unique.

“Tryvio is not just a new medication, but [it] represents a novel mechanism for controlling blood pressure. Identifying new and effective mechanisms for blood pressure control may help expand our understanding of this disease and help us continue to find effective ways to treat it,” said Anstey. “For individuals with hypertension, in particular for people whose blood pressure is inadequately controlled on their current regimen, Tryvio represents a new tool to help in the fight to get blood pressure under control and ultimately prevent a major heart attack or stroke.”

19. Rezdiffra for MASH

What is it: Rezdiffra (resmetirom) is an oral medication that treats metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) with moderate-to-advanced liver scarring. MASH — which used to be known as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) —  is a relatively common condition where fat builds up in the liver and causes inflammation.

FDA approval date: March 14, 2024

How it’s taken: Rezdiffra is an oral tablet that’s taken once daily, with or without food. Your specific dosage depends on your body weight. It works best when combined with a nutritious diet and routine exercise.

Why Rezdiffra’s approval matters

Rezdiffra is the first medication that’s approved to treat MASH with moderate-to-advanced liver scarring (fibrosis). For people who previously relied solely on diet and exercise, this new option offers hope — it has the potential to halt or even reverse liver scarring. This in turn lowers the risk of more advanced liver problems, such as cirrhosis.

Note: Rezdiffra was approved through the FDA’s accelerated approval process. In order to secure full approval, additional studies will need to show that the medication works as intended.

20. Wegovy for cardiovascular risk reduction

What it is: Wegovy (semaglutide) is an injectable medication commonly prescribed for weight loss. It also helps lower the risk of serious cardiovascular problems in adults with larger bodies and heart disease. Wegovy is a type of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist.

FDA approval date: March 8, 2024

How it’s taken: Wegovy is injected just under the skin once a week. The best places to inject it are your stomach, upper thigh, or upper arm. You can conveniently inject your doses at home, too.

Why Wegovy’s approval matters

In 2021, Wegovy became the first once-weekly medication in its class approved for weight loss. And this more recent approval marks another milestone. It’s now the first weight-loss medication to be approved to lower the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (heart attack, stroke, or cardiovascular death), or MACE, in adults

Ozempic, a lower-dose semaglutide injection, is already approved to lower the risk of MACE in people with both diabetes and heart disease. Wegovy, on the other hand, offers this benefit in people with heart disease without diabetes, too. During clinical trials, people with heart disease who are considered overweight or obese saw roughly a 20% reduction in MACE risk with Wegovy.

Dave L. Dixon, PharmD, FACC, a member of the American College of Cardiology CV Team Pharmacists Work Group, elaborated more on what this benefit could mean for people.

"There is a strong link between obesity and increased risk of heart disease but until now we didn't have a pharmacological intervention that reduces that risk. It's important to recognize that the benefits of Wegovy aren't just about weight loss. It's about reducing one's risk of heart disease, which remains the leading cause of death,” said Dixon. “Wegovy's approval means we can now use both lifestyle and pharmacological intervention to reduce the heart disease risk associated with obesity."

21. Xolair for food allergies

What it is: Xolair (omalizumab) is an injectable biologic medication that can treat allergic reactions to foods, asthma, and other related health conditions. It works by targeting immunoglobulin E (IgE), a substance that drives the immune system’s response to an allergen.

FDA approval date: February 16, 2024

How it’s taken: Xolair is an injectable medication that can be given at home. It’s injected under the skin once every 2 to 4 weeks. Your prescriber will determine your specific dose based on your IgE levels and body weight.

Why Xolair’s approval matters

Xolair is the first medication that can lower the risk of allergic reactions to multiple foods after accidental exposure; it can be given to people as young as 1 years old with food allergies. In clinical trials, this included people allergic to peanuts and at least two of the following food items:

• Cashews

• Hazelnuts

• Walnuts

• Milk

• Egg

• Wheat

Xolair does this through its effects on IgE. A type of antibody, IgE plays a role in certain food allergies, potentially resulting in severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis). And while people with food allergies try to avoid the foods that could trigger a reaction, accidental exposures can happen. 

It’s in situations such as these that Xolair could play a role. Xolair could make small, accidental exposures to these foods a far less risky situation.

22. Amtagvi for advanced melanoma

What it is: Amtagvi (lifileucel) is an injectable medication that treats advanced melanoma (skin cancer). It’s a tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy — a type of immunotherapy.

FDA approval date: February 16, 2024

How it’s taken: Amtagvi is infused into your vein a single time. You’ll receive it at an authorized treatment center after you go through a series of preparatory treatments.

Why Amtagvi’s approval matters

Amtagvi is the first medication to use TIL therapy technology. It’s also the first cellular therapy that treats a solid tumor (a non-blood-related cancer). It’s a big step forward, scientifically speaking. But it can also make a meaningful difference in the lives of those with advanced melanoma.

In an interview with GoodRx Health, Kim Margolin, MD, the medical director of the melanoma program for Medical Oncology at St. John’s Cancer Institute, discussed how TIL therapy like Amtagvi (or lifileucel) works and how it differs from other treatments.

“Lifileucel is one form of what’s broadly called adoptive T-cell therapy. You’re taking the patient’s own cells and you’re manipulating them in such a way that they become even more active killers [against their cancer]. In the case of lifileucel, which is a form of TIL therapy, it’s actually the tumor itself that’s the source of the cells,” Margolin explained.

According to Margolin, TILs are lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) found inside the tumor that can recognize and attack specific cancer cells. TIL therapy involves taking a small piece of tumor, dicing it up, and growing the TILs in a laboratory. Then, they’d be infused back into the body after a brief course of chemotherapy. After the TIL cells are infused, the patient receives a few doses of interleukin-2, previously known as T-cell growth factor. This creates an “army” of killer cells that can travel directly to the tumor to fight it.

During a phase 2 trial (all patients treated with the same therapy), the percentage of people whose tumors shrunk down to undetectable or reduced by about half (objective response rate) with lifileucel was about 31%. This trial, however, included people who had received three lines of prior therapy, on average. Margolin noted that the response rate may look different for people who haven’t received as much prior therapy.

“TIL cell response rates are somewhere in the ballpark of 30% to 40%,” said Margolin. “But they may be as high as 50% in people who’ve had the least amount of prior therapy, whose tumors are likely to be the least resistant to prior therapy.” Margolin compared this to response rates of about 30% with alternative treatments, namely combinations of ipilimumab (Yervoy) and nivolumab (Opdivo).

23. Dupixent for eosinophilic esophagitis in young children

What it is: Dupixent is a biologic medication often prescribed for asthma. But it can treat eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) now, too. It works by targeting inflammation caused by specific immune cells in the body.

FDA approval date: January 25, 2024

How it’s taken: Dupixent is an under-the-skin injection that’s given every 2 weeks for EoE. The amount of medicine that you’ll inject with every dose will depend on your body weight.

Why Dupixent’s approval matters

In May 2022, Dupixent became the first FDA-approved treatment for EOE. EOE is a chronic medical condition caused by inflammation in the esophagus. It’s associated with high levels of eosinophils and can affect people of all ages.

Dupixent was initially approved to treat EOE in people ages 12 and older. But it’s now approved for children as young as 1 years old. This is important for giving young kids access to an effective inflammation-lowering treatment.

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Joshua Murdock, PharmD, BCBBS

Joshua Murdock, PharmD, BCBBS, is a licensed pharmacist in Arizona, Colorado, and Rhode Island. He has worked in the pharmacy industry for more than 10 years and currently serves as a pharmacy editor for GoodRx.

Reviewed by:

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD, is the director of pharmacy content for GoodRx. She has over a decade of experience as a pharmacist and has worked in clinical, academic, and administrative roles.

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Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH, is a medical editor at GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified pediatrician with more than a decade of experience in academic medicine.

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