Fluorine in the Pharmaceutical Industry: FDA-Approved Fluorine-Containing Drugs in 2024

Abstract

Fluorine has become an essential element in the development of modern pharmaceuticals, due to its unique chemical properties that can significantly enhance the biological activity, metabolic stability, and lipophilicity of drug molecules. This review explores recent advancements in the synthesis and application of fluorine-containing drugs approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2024. These novel drugs demonstrate improved efficacy and safety profiles, addressing a range of therapeutic areas including oncology, infectious diseases, metabolic disorders and genetic disorders that affect the adrenal glands. The incorporation of fluorine atoms into drug candidates has facilitated the development of molecules with optimized pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties, leading to better patient outcomes. The review further discusses the synthetic methodologies employed, the structural characteristics of these drugs, and their clinical implications, providing insights into the ongoing innovation within the pharmaceutical industry driven by fluorine chemistry.