: a drug that is not developed or marketed because its extremely limited use makes it unprofitable
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the WebTaking advantage of the orphan drug path could smooth some of the bumps on the road to FDA approval. Kira Sampson, STAT, 28 July 2022 Two years after this child got her diagnosis, the Food and Drug Administration approved an orphan drug designed specifically for this disorder, called burosumab.New York Times, 2 Dec. 2021 The treatment appears safe in early stage trials in people and has won orphan drug status from the US Food and Drug Administration. Maggie Fox, CNN, 1 June 2021 Orchard had, however, secured FDA designations for the treatment as an orphan drug, a breakthrough therapy and a remedy for a rare pediatric disease, all of which allow for expedited review by the FDA. Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 28 May 2021 After significant public backlash, Gilead retracted its orphan drug application. Nicole Hassoun, Quartz, 14 Jan. 2021 In 2018, the average cost of an orphan drug was $150,854 per patient per year. Nicole Hassoun, Quartz, 14 Jan. 2021 In 2018, the average cost of an orphan drug was $150,854 per patient per year. Nicole Hassoun, Quartz, 14 Jan. 2021 After significant public backlash, Gilead retracted its orphan drug application. Nicole Hassoun, Quartz, 14 Jan. 2021 See More
Word History
First Known Use
1981, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
orphan drug
noun
: a drug that is not developed or marketed because its extremely limited use (as in the treatment of a rare disease) makes it unprofitable