The world of medicine is constantly advancing, bringing new hope with each breakthrough. Over the next decade, a handful of medications are expected to stand out for their impact. These drugs are not just about scientific progress—they’re about changing lives and offering new solutions where there were none before.

Whether tackling chronic illnesses or introducing treatments for conditions once deemed untreatable, these medications are paving the way for a healthier future. They promise not just improved health outcomes but also a better quality of life for countless people around the globe.

In this list, we’ll explore ten amazing drugs that are set to become game-changers in their respective fields. These are the names you’ll hear more often as they continue to revolutionize healthcare.

Related: 10 Medicines That Work But We Don’t Know Why

10 Harvoni: Revolutionizing Hepatitis C Treatment

Imagine a world where hepatitis C is no longer a chronic, debilitating disease. Enter Harvoni, a breakthrough medication that combines ledipasvir and sofosbuvir. This dynamic duo works by blocking proteins the hepatitis C virus needs to grow. The result? An impressive cure rate of 94% to 99%, turning what was once a life-long battle into a manageable, short-term treatment.

For many patients, Harvoni means taking just one pill a day for two to six months. This simplicity is a game-changer, especially for those dealing with genotype 1, the most common strain in the U.S. Harvoni’s approval for use in children, adults, and even those with complicated cases involving HIV or liver transplants makes it a versatile tool in the fight against hepatitis C.

However, this groundbreaking treatment doesn’t come cheap, with a hefty price tag of around $1,100 per pill. Yet, for many, the chance to live free from hepatitis C is priceless, making Harvoni a true revolution in antiviral therapy.^[1]

9 Aimovig: A Breakthrough for Migraine Relief

For those battling migraines, the search for relief often feels endless. Aimovig offers a new approach. This FDA-approved drug belongs to a class known as CGRP monoclonal antibodies, which target calcitonin gene-related peptide, a protein linked to migraine pain. By blocking CGRP, Aimovig aims to prevent migraines before they start.

What makes Aimovig unique is its focus on migraine prevention, unlike older treatments originally designed for other conditions. Patients have reported significant reductions in migraine frequency, with some experiencing up to eight fewer migraine days per month.

This means a notable improvement in daily life for many chronic migraine sufferers. With its targeted mechanism, Aimovig stands out in the evolving field of migraine treatment, offering hope and a better quality of life to millions affected by this condition.^[2]

8 Evrysdi (Risdiplam): Transforming Spinal Muscular Atrophy Care

Evrysdi, or risdiplam, offers new hope for those with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Developed by Genentech, this oral medication boosts the production of the SMN protein, which is essential for motor neuron survival. Unlike earlier treatments that require injections, Evrysdi can be taken at home, making it more convenient for patients of all ages.

Clinical trials, such as FIREFISH and SUNFISH, have shown promising results. In the FIREFISH study, 90% of infants treated with Evrysdi survived without permanent ventilation after 12 months. The SUNFISH trial also reported significant motor function improvements in older patients, showcasing Evrysdi’s effectiveness across different age groups.

With FDA approval, Evrysdi represents a significant step forward in genetic medicine. It highlights the move towards more accessible and effective treatments for rare genetic disorders, offering a better quality of life for SMA patients.^[3]

7 Hemgenix: A Breakthrough in Hemophilia B Treatment

Hemgenix, developed by CSL Behring, is revolutionizing Hemophilia B treatment. Approved by the FDA in 2022, this gene therapy delivers a functional copy of the F9 gene to liver cells, allowing patients to produce clotting factor IX. In clinical trials, Hemgenix increased factor IX levels and reduced bleeding episodes by 64%.

Patients treated with Hemgenix, like those in France, have reported fewer bleeding incidents and improved quality of life. This one-time infusion reduces the need for regular treatments, offering a significant shift in managing Hemophilia B.

Ongoing research aims to confirm Hemgenix’s long-term benefits and safety. This therapy holds promise for transforming care for Hemophilia B patients, potentially reducing complications and enhancing independence.^[4]

6 Dupixent (Dupilumab): A Potential Future Treatment for Keloids

Dupixent, a monoclonal antibody known as dupilumab, has demonstrated potential in preventing keloid formation and alleviating related symptoms. Keloid scars, resulting from abnormal healing processes, are often challenging to treat effectively. Traditional treatments like corticosteroid injections frequently offer limited relief. Recent case studies have shown that dupilumab can reduce inflammation and prevent new keloids in patients with recurrent skin injuries, suggesting its promise as a novel treatment approach.

In one notable case, a 23-year-old woman with chronic keloids on her shoulders and chest experienced significant improvements after starting dupilumab. Previous treatments had failed, but with dupilumab, her keloids stabilized, and symptoms like pain and itching diminished. Similarly, a 20-year-old woman with multiple keloids from acne reported fewer new keloids and reduced discomfort after initiating dupilumab therapy. These cases highlight dupilumab’s potential in keloid prevention and management.

Ongoing clinical trials are exploring dupilumab’s efficacy in treating keloids. While these initial findings are promising, more research is needed to establish dupilumab as a definitive treatment for keloids, offering hope for patients seeking relief from this challenging condition.^[5]

5 Trikafta: A New Dawn for Cystic Fibrosis

The introduction of Trikafta in 2019 marked a significant breakthrough for individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF), transforming lives previously constrained by the disease. Trikafta, a triple combination drug, targets the defective cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein, improving lung function by thinning and clearing mucus.

Patients often experience increased mucus clearance, making breathing easier and enhancing daily life activities. Although long-term studies are ongoing, initial results suggest that Trikafta can potentially extend life expectancy and significantly improve the quality of life for many CF patients.

Jenny Livingston’s story exemplifies Trikafta’s impact. Diagnosed with CF at birth, she endured frequent hospitalizations and declining health. However, after starting Trikafta, her condition stabilized, allowing her to participate in activities she once couldn’t. Now, Jenny plans for a future with her daughter, something previously unimaginable.

While Trikafta is not a cure and may not be effective for all CF patients, its ability to transform many patients’ lives is undeniable. It’s important to note that some patients may experience side effects. Ongoing research continues to explore Trikafta’s full potential, promising even greater improvements in CF treatment.^[6]

4 Lecanemab: A New Frontier in Alzheimer’s Treatment

Lecanemab, developed by Biogen and Eisai, represents a promising advance in Alzheimer’s disease treatment. This monoclonal antibody targets amyloid plaques in the brain, which are associated with cognitive decline. Initially granted accelerated approval in January 2023 based on its ability to reduce amyloid plaques, lecanemab received full FDA approval in July 2023 after further clinical data confirmed its clinical benefit. In trials, lecanemab has shown modest but significant effects in slowing the progression of cognitive decline, providing a new option for patients and their families.

By administering intravenously every two weeks, lecanemab offers a consistent approach to managing Alzheimer’s. Although not a cure, it helps delay the disease’s progression, allowing patients to maintain their independence longer. The Alzheimer’s community views lecanemab as a crucial step forward, with ongoing research aiming to further validate and expand its benefits.

Dr. Lawrence Honig, a neurologist at NewYork-Presbyterian, emphasizes that lecanemab is one of the first treatments to show measurable effects in slowing Alzheimer’s progression. As research continues, lecanemab could become a cornerstone in Alzheimer’s care, providing much-needed hope and improved outcomes for patients and their families.^[7]

3 Scemblix: A Game-Changer in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Treatment

Scemblix, developed by Novartis, has emerged as a significant advancement in the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Approved by the FDA in 2021, this novel drug targets the BCR-ABL1 protein, a key driver of CML. Recent data from the Phase III ASC4FIRST study, presented at the 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting and the European Hematology Association (EHA) Congress, demonstrated Scemblix’s superior efficacy compared to other tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in newly diagnosed CML patients.

Patients treated with Scemblix showed higher rates of major molecular response and lower discontinuation rates due to adverse effects compared to those on traditional TKIs. This makes Scemblix not only a more effective option but also a more tolerable one for many patients. With its ability to provide better outcomes and improved tolerability, Scemblix is setting a new standard in leukemia care, offering hope and a higher quality of life for those affected by CML.^[8]

2 Zolgensma: A Gene Therapy Medical Miracle for Spinal Muscular Atrophy

Zolgensma, a groundbreaking gene therapy developed by Novartis, has revolutionized the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a severe genetic disorder that affects muscle strength and movement. Approved by the FDA in 2019, Zolgensma works by delivering a functional copy of the SMN1 gene to replace the missing or defective gene in SMA patients. This one-time intravenous infusion is designed for children under the age of two and has shown remarkable efficacy in clinical trials, significantly improving motor functions and extending life expectancy.

The impact of Zolgensma on patients’ lives is profound. Children who received this therapy have achieved developmental milestones previously thought impossible for SMA patients, such as sitting up, crawling, and even walking. For instance, twins Kali and Kaiden, diagnosed with SMA Type 1, received Zolgensma at one month old and have since shown tremendous progress, defying the grim prognosis typically associated with the disease. Their story, along with others, underscores the transformative potential of gene therapy in treating genetic disorders.

Despite its high cost, Zolgensma offers hope and a better quality of life for families affected by SMA. As ongoing research continues to evaluate its long-term benefits and safety, Zolgensma stands as a testament to the advancements in genetic medicine, providing a new lease on life for many young patients.^[9]

1 Ketruda (Pembrolizumab): Extending Survival in Kidney Cancer Patients

Keytruda (Pembrolizumab) is making waves as an adjuvant therapy for kidney cancer, particularly clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Approved by the FDA in 2021, this immunotherapy works by targeting the PD-1 protein, enhancing the immune system’s ability to attack cancer cells. The KEYNOTE-564 trial revealed that patients treated with pembrolizumab post-surgery had a nearly 40% reduced risk of death compared to a placebo. Four years into treatment, 91% of patients on pembrolizumab were still alive, compared to 86% in the placebo group.

These results are groundbreaking, marking the first time an adjuvant therapy for kidney cancer has shown improved overall survival. Despite potential side effects like fatigue and rash, pembrolizumab offers new hope for patients at high risk of recurrence. Oncologists are optimistic about its potential to become a standard post-surgical treatment, significantly improving care and outcomes for early-stage kidney cancer patients. ^[10]

You know that feeling when you hear a sound, and it just sends chills right down your spine? Creepy, right? We all know that nature produces all sorts of interesting sights and sounds. From creepy animals to (previously) unexplained sounds that go bump in the night, there’re all sorts of sounds to be wary of in the wild. So check under your bed, turn on all the lights, and join us as we go through the ten creepiest sounds you can hear in nature.

Related: 10 Creepy Ghost Animals You’ve Never Heard Of

10 Alligators

Even without making any noise, alligators are creepy enough! Alligators have been around for so long that they look like almost nothing else (except crocodiles, of course). American alligators can be as long as twenty feet. During their mating season, they call out to each other with a bellow. Both male and female alligators bellow, but the male alligator (often called a bull) is much louder.

The sound makes me feel like I’m watching Jurassic Park! The low growl or bellow from a male alligator is so loud and deep that it even makes the surrounding water vibrate. If you hear one of these, make a run for it! Though alligators rarely attack humans, the sound alone would make anyone get out of the area and fast!

9 Lynxes

If you have a cat that is anything like mine, you know they can make all sorts of crazy noises. Big cats, like the Canadian lynx, take this to another level. However, lynxes aren’t simply trying to get a cat treat. They make a variety of interesting noises for a variety of reasons.

Lynxes let out a long, moaning wail to attract mates. Since lynxes are relatively rare, it makes sense that this mating call is so loud. I’m not sure it needs to be so creepy, though! Lynxes have several other sounds that they can make as well. They have a short, lower sound that almost sounds like a bark to help their kittens. Lynxes use a third kind of sound when they’re confronting another adult. For such a beautiful animal, Lynxes sure make some creepy sounds!

8 Howling Wind

You know what they always say in horror movies, right? The main characters hear a loud sound in some creepy location and say, “It’s just the wind.” Well, in the movie, it’s not the wind! But, the wind surely can create some eerie and creepy sounds.

Scary sounds made by the wind happen for various reasons. Most often, it’s due to the shape of the land and foliage nearby. Think about whistling. You can whistle when you hold your mouth correctly by blowing air through that shape. The same shape can occur naturally. In nature, you can hear a variety of sounds from the wind. It may sound like a howl, a whistle, or a growl. Even though we understand what causes the wind to make these sounds, that doesn’t make it any less creepy!

7 Ruffed Grouse “Drumming”

The Ruffed Grouse is a musical bird with a talent for percussion. This bird’s “drums” can reportedly be heard or even felt up to a quarter-mile away. Hopefully, you don’t have any Ruffed Grouses as upstairs neighbors!

While this noise may be less scary than some of the others on the list, it’s certainly eerie. The deep, percussive drumming sound comes not from the Ruffed Grouse’s mouth but its wings. The Ruffed Grouse repeatedly pumps its wings, creating a deep, muted sound like a drumbeat. However, Ruffed Grouses don’t make that sound to keep a beat. They make their trademark drumming noise to claim territory and attract mates. Only male Ruffed Grouses make the drumming sound.

6 Crows

Crows are a regular fixture in horror movies. They’re said to represent death in many cultures. As well as being iconic for their appearances in horror movies, crows are known to be extremely intelligent. They have even proven capable of using tools to some degree.

However, there is no denying that a crow’s “caw” is just plain creepy! Crows can create a wide variety of noises, but their trademark “caw” is the start of countless horror stories. As scary as a crow “caw” is on film, it can be even creepier in person. If you start hearing crows too often, you may want to think about investing in a scarecrow to give those crows a taste of their own medicine.

5 “Trumpets” in Alberta, Canada

The next item on our list is a lot harder to explain. There has been a mysterious trumpet noise heard in Alberta, Canada, on several occasions. It’s undoubtedly eerie and creepy, made even more so because there isn’t a definite explanation.

While many report these sounds as “coming from the sky,” some potential theories are in place. Some scientists believe this is happening because of tectonic movement beneath the Earth’s crust (the same movement which causes earthquakes and volcanic eruptions). Other scientists speculate that it’s a wind-based phenomenon. Nobody is entirely sure.

Some of the creepiest things are those we can’t explain. The “trumpet” sounds in Alberta are another example of this. Whatever the reason for the mysterious sound, it sends a chill up my spine!

4 Owls

Owls are commonly associated with intelligence, large eyes, and nocturnal nature. You have to admit, though, those quiet, big-eyed birds are a little bit creepy too! Owls also produce various sounds, most of them pretty eerie and unsettling when out in nature.

The sound that most people think of when they think of an owl is a gentle “hoot.” Typically, this sound is associated with the great horned owl. However, owls make various noises, including screeches that’re very disarming. Young owls are very noisy and scream piercingly when begging for food. Adult owls can make all sorts of noises, like barks, shrieks, hisses, coos, cries, and screams. Any one of those sounds at the wrong time could give you a case of the willies.

Maybe the sounds of an owl wouldn’t be so creepy if they were active during the day. A quiet night in the woods interjected with a hoot from an owl may be all it takes to send you running for cover!

3 Bats

The phrase “blind as a bat” is used pretty often. However, bats aren’t actually blind. They simply use sounds to make it easier to hunt prey at night. This technique is called echolocation. Echolocation works like sonar technology: A bat emits a high-pitched screaming sound and hears the echoes. The bat then uses those echoes to create a mental picture of its surroundings. This allows bats to be active at night.

While this is a cool and interesting ability for a bat, it’s downright creepy. The sounds of a bat are so high-pitched that you can hear them easily over long distances. On a quiet night, it’s possible to listen to the bats’ wings flapping as well. Thanks to horror movies and scary stories, most of us already have a healthy fear and distaste of bats. Unfortunately, none of this knowledge will make them sound any less creepy.

2 Bears

Most of us are familiar with the sound that a bear makes. However, this doesn’t prepare you for hearing that sound in nature. Hearing that growl is not only creepy; it can be downright scary.

In actuality, though we picture bears growling and making a lot of noise, they generally don’t make noise without reason. Bears are known to make a variety of sounds. Bears grunt relatively quietly to communicate with other bears or their offspring and may sometimes hum when enjoying a meal (though cubs do this more often). Typical bear cubs may scream or cry when separated from their mothers. However, the grizzly bear roar is by far the creepiest out of all these sounds.

Typically, grizzly bears only roar when facing a conflict (generally with another bear). This loud, low roar is meant as a warning. I can imagine that a grizzly bear’s roar is creepy to just about every mammal, including humans.

1 Giggling Hyenas

There is nothing quite so joyous as the laughter of children. On the other hand, there is nothing quite as creepy as a laughing pack of hyenas. In fact, for the hyena, their high-pitched laugh isn’t an indicator that they are amused.

A hyena’s laugh sounds maniacal. It sounds like a person who has completely lost their mind just cackling and chortling. However, the hyena is actually trying to communicate.

Hyenas generally laugh for three reasons; they laugh because they’re scared, excited, or frustrated. If you hear a hyena laughing, it’s most likely because they’re on the hunt. Hyenas may also laugh when they’re not getting their share of a kill (or don’t want to share with the rest of the pack). An eerie, creepy laugh often echoed throughout a pack of hyenas is, for me, the creepiest sound you can hear in nature. It’s probably best to steer clear of the whole list, though.

There are two types of sounds: Those we can hear and those we can’t.

The average human hears every sound between the frequencies of 20 hertz (Hz) and 20 kilohertz (kHz). Any sound below this frequency is infrasonic, and any above is ultrasonic. Unfortunately, we cannot hear both because our ears cannot pick them up.

Besides the sounds outside our hearing frequency, there is also a category of sounds between 20 Hz and 20 kHz we cannot hear. We should hear these sounds under normal circumstances, but we cannot hear them because of one reason or the other.

This list presents 10 of these loud sounds we cannot hear.

Related: 10 Artificial Sounds We Hear Every Day

10 Dog Whistles

If you stood beside a person blowing a dog whistle, you would hear nothing louder than a low hissing sound, even though those whistles are unbelievably loud.

We cannot hear dog whistles because they produce sounds in frequencies above what we can hear. The average human hears no more than 20 kHz, which could go up to 23 kHz in people with sensitive ears (one kHz is 1000 Hz). However, dogs can hear up to 45 kHz. Depending on the manufacturer, dog whistles make sounds between 23 and 45 kHz.

But this doesn’t mean you should blow dog whistles for fun. Just as you would freak out if someone blows a loud whistle (you can hear) for minutes without stopping, dogs will also freak out if you blow a dog whistle non-stop. Besides, blowing a dog whistle too loudly when your dog is nearby could attract other dogs, which is something you do not want.^[1]

9 The Sun

Imagine someone filled the earth with police sirens and switched every one of them on. Now, multiply that sound by 10,000. That is how loud the sun is.

But we are 92 million miles from the sun, which means the sound would have greatly reduced by the time it gets here. But the dull roar we’d hear would be around 100 decibels, which is the same volume as a rock concert. That’s still loud.

Researchers think we would have never been able to develop speech with that constant noise around us. And even if we did, we would need to shout to talk to even the people closest to us. However, the super-loud sound would only last during the day, which means we may enjoy a bit of quiet at night.

Luckily for us and our ears, we cannot hear the sun. Why? Because sound needs air to travel and there is no air in space.^[2]

8 12 kHz to 20 kHz

Everyone over 18 suffers from a health disorder called presbycusis, which is the medical way of saying “age-related hearing loss.”

While we generally hear every sound between 20 Hz and 20 kHz, most of us lose the ability to hear anything higher than 17.4 kHz the moment we clock 18. By the time we reach 40, we struggle to hear anything higher than 15 kHz, and by the time we hit the big 5-0, we won’t hear anything over 12 kHz.

A few businesses have exploited this knowledge to create products that blast annoying sounds between 17.4 and 20 kHz to discourage teens from hanging outside their stores. On the other hand, teens are fighting back by using ringtones in those frequencies. This allows them to receive calls in classrooms without their teachers knowing their phones are ringing.^[3]

7 Bat Echolocation

Contrary to what they told us, bats can see. It is just that they do not always rely on their eyes to find their way around. They use sound instead.

Over half of all bat species release ultrasonic sounds between 20kHz and 200 kHz from their mouths or nostrils. Then they wait for the echoes to bounce off everything in the area and return to them, allowing them to identify obstacles and, of course, food.

The loudness of these sounds varies but is usually between 50 and 120 decibels, which is louder than a smoke detector within arm’s length.^[4]

6 Rocket Launches

Rockets are loud, but what if we told you they could be louder?

Rockets produce sounds we cannot hear. However, unlike bats, which make sounds above the upper limit of what we can hear, rockets produce sounds below the lower limit of what we can hear. We call these sounds infrasonic sounds.

While we cannot hear infrasonic sounds, we can detect and record them with special equipment and even speed up the recorded sounds to get an idea of what they sound like. In fact, researchers did exactly this when they captured sound from the November 2009 launch of the Space Shuttle Atlantis. They sped it up 250 times so that we could hear it.^[5]

5 Sperm Whale Sounds

Sperm whales make a variety of sounds. Some are infrasonic, some are ultrasonic, and the rest are within the frequency of what we can hear.

The one thing all the three types of sounds have in common is their loudness. The sounds are so loud that researchers think sperm whales may be using them to stun their favorite prey, giant squids, unconscious before capturing and eating them.

While research into this remains inconclusive, experiments have proven that sperm whales do not use ultrasonic sounds to stun prey. However, we cannot say whether they use infrasonic or even regular sounds for the same purpose.

We should also add that whales could use sound to hurt their prey in other ways other than stunning. For instance, they could use sound to burst their blood vessels or disorient and confuse them, so they do not know the whale is approaching.^[6]

4 Volcanic Eruptions

Volcanoes make a lot of noise when they erupt. However, what if we told you a good chunk of that noise is silent to our ears?

That is because some of the sound is infrasound, which is below the frequency of what our ears can pick up. Curiously, infrasonic sound, especially when loud, is more dangerous than ultrasound since it travels over longer distances. In fact, infrasound-detecting stations often pick up the sounds of faraway volcanoes and use them to determine the characteristics of the eruption.

Unsurprisingly though, volcanoes do not only make infrasonic sounds when they erupt. They make infrasonic sounds all the time, and researchers have been measuring this sound to monitor the changes in their lava levels to predict future eruptions.^[7]

3 Elephant Rumbles

Sometime in the ’80s, researchers discovered that elephants use infrasound to communicate with other elephants at distances up to 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) away. While this is no surprise, considering infrasound travels over very long distances, we also discovered that elephants also use infrasound to communicate with nearby elephants.

Female elephants leading a herd use it to shepherd every elephant in the herd. Mothers use it to remain in touch with their calves, and males use it to warn other males to back off during the mating season.

Elephants generally make infrasonic sounds between 1 Hz and 20 Hz, which we cannot hear. However, they make these sounds along with some rumbles that are within the frequency of what we can hear. Why they do that, we cannot say.^[8]

2 Sound Weapons

While we cannot hear infrasonic and ultrasonic sounds, we can feel them, especially when they are too loud. And just as any loud sound (we can hear) makes us uncomfortable after a while, the loud sounds we cannot hear make us uncomfortable too. And they may even cause some serious internal damage.

Sound (aka sonic) weapons work by directing infrasonic or ultrasonic sounds at a person or group of people. Several countries have deployed infrasonic sound weapons, which have milder consequences when compared to the ultrasonic ones, against protesters, who rarely know they are at the receiving end of one, even after the effects kick in.

People at the other end of infrasonic sound weapons suddenly become uncomfortable and begin vomiting or pooping. Ultrasonic weapons have the same effect, too, but they also cause headaches, trigger bubbles to form inside our tissues, and increase the temperature of our cells, consequently damaging them.^[9]

1 Burglar Alarms

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons

Have you ever wondered how motion detector lights, alarms, and security systems work? They use ultrasound.

Most ultrasonic security systems use sound waves between 30kHz and 50 kHz, which we cannot hear. Better still, ultrasonic sound waves cannot pass through solids like infrasonic sound, making them the best for detecting humans, animals, or objects in an area.

There are two types of ultrasonic security systems. The first type listens for ultrasonic sounds in the environment, while the other sends out ultrasonic sounds and waits for the response. Whenever the security system detects a slight change in the ultrasonic sounds in an area, it instantly knows a new creature or object is in the area and activates.^[10]