The Best and Worst Drug Names of 2025: A Look at the Year's Most Memorable and Misleading Monikers
The end of the year is a time for lists, and in the world of health and medicine, that includes the best and worst new drug names. In 2025, we saw a range of new drugs approved, each with its own unique name. Some of these names are memorable for their simplicity and effectiveness in conveying the drug's purpose, while others are more controversial or confusing. Here's a look at the best and worst drug names of 2025, and the stories behind them.
The Best Drug Names
- Vizz
Vizz, made by Lenz Therapeutics, is an eye drop for presbyopia, the age-related loss of the eye's ability to focus on close objects. The name is simple, easy to remember, and relates to the condition it's treating. It's a rare single-syllable-named drug, and one voter noted its effectiveness: "At first, Vizz struck me as a little harsh-sounding, but when I realized what the drug was for, I was like — well, it’s simple, easy to remember, relates to the condition it’s treating. Gotta give it to them."
- Rhapsido
Rhapsido, made by Novartis, treats chronic spontaneous urticaria, or chronic hives. As a pill, it could be much more attractive to patients than the currently approved shots. The name is evocative and enthusiastic, with one colleague saying, "I want to rhapsodize about my cure." The name evokes such enthusiasm that another colleague said he's "surprised FDA allowed it."
- Forzinity
Forzinity, made by Stealth BioTherapeutics, is designed to improve muscle strength in patients with a rare disease called Barth syndrome, which leads to muscle weakness and heart failure. The name is apt, not only in regards to its intended treatment effect but also to the company's fortitude in getting it onto the market. It's also fun to pronounce, with one colleague saying, "Forzinity rolls right off the tongue. Up there with Skyrizi for drugs I want to take based on the coolness of their names alone."
The Worst Drug Names
- Avmapki Fakzynja Co-Pack
Avmapki Fakzynja Co-Pack, a combination therapy for ovarian cancer made by Verastem Oncology, is the most confusing and unpronounceable name of the year. It's a combination of two unpronounceable names, and one colleague noted, "Someone just mashed the keyboard on that one."
- Qfitlia
Qfitlia, made by Sanofi, is approved to prevent or reduce bleeding episodes in people with hemophilia A or B. The name has quite a few consonants and not what one might consider a deficit of vowels. It's a bit of a mouthful and doesn't evoke a clear image or purpose.
- Tryptyr
Tryptyr, made by Alcon, is an eye drop used to treat dry eye disease. The name is so difficult to pronounce that it's almost impossible to read without wanting to cry. Whether intentional or not, it's a name that doesn't inspire confidence or clarity.
These drug names are more than just labels; they can influence how patients perceive and remember their treatments. While some names are memorable and effective, others can be confusing or misleading. It's a reminder that the power of a name should not be underestimated in the world of healthcare.
