The Food and Drug Administration approved about 21 drugs in 2010, a relatively modest figure that shows the pharmaceutical industry hasn't yet escaped its drought in recent years.

A few potential blockbusters won approval during the year, but some of the most highly anticipated new products got delayed into next year or beyond. That partly reflects a tougher environment at the FDA, with regulators stepping up their scrutiny of safety issues in drugs for obesity, diabetes and other conditions.

According to monthly drug-approval reports on the FDA's website, 21 new drugs were approved in 2010, down from 25 in 2009 and 24 in 2008, but higher from a recent low of 18 in 2007.

More... http://pharmacy-education.blogspot.com/2011/01/drug-approvals-slipped-in-2010-some.html

References-

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-12-30/new-drug-approvals-fell-in-2010-as-safety-concerns-slow-u-s-fda-decisions.html

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704543004576052170335871018.html?mod=googlenews_wsj