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$Title{I Thought You Would Like to Know: Orphan Drugs}
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Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


I THOUGHT YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW:  Orphan Drugs


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     The story of the development of Orphan Drugs is one of unusual foresight
and astonishing success.  An orphan drug is a status granted to a medicine
which has been created to treat a rare disease that may affect less than
200,000 people.  Because the cost of research to discover such drugs is so
high, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), under the Orphan Drug Act of
1983, may grant the pharmaceutical research company seven years of exclusive
marketing, to help the company recover the funds that were spent on
development.  Such a designation has been granted by the FDA to a total of 442
drugs as of February, 1991.  Now the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association
(PMA), with the assistance of the FDA has published a full sized, 24 page
booklet that tells the tale of 176 medicines now in testing for rare diseases.
Developing these drugs are 104 companies and 16 other sponsors.  In addition
all of the orphan drugs approved since the 1983 Drug Act are also listed.
There are 54 drugs in development for cancers of all types, 46 drugs for
childhood diseases, 31 drugs in development for genetic as well as 24 drugs
for AIDS and AIDS related conditions.  The listings are very complete,
including the names of the medicines, the company or sponsors, development
status for drugs still in research, and indications for the already approved
drugs.  A very complete glossary with definitions of all those medical terms
that no one can pronounce, makes this booklet a must.  Send your request to
Editor, Orphan Drugs in Development, Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association,
Dept. AB, 1100 Fifteenth Street NW, Washington, DC 20005.  No need for a
stamped envelope, as this book is just to big to fit.  My thanks to the PMA
for allowing me to offer this booklet to my readers.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
