Researchers Argue Orphan Drug Designation Has Been Overused

A new study published in Health Affairs found that spending in the orphan drug category is overwhelmingly concentrated on so-called partial orphan drugs, which have both orphan and nonorphan indications. The study affirms growing concerns across the health care industry that drugmakers are misusing the orphan drug designation and introducing unwarranted cost into the drug channel.

“Our findings raise questions regarding whether the benefits of orphan drug status are always warranted for partial orphan drugs,” said Kao-Ping Chua, M.D., Ph.D., lead author of the new paper and a health services researcher at the University of Michigan, in a Feb. 26 press release.

© 2023 MMIT
Peter Johnson

Peter Johnson

Peter has been a reporter for nearly a decade. Before joining AIS Health, Peter covered a wide variety of topics in his hometown of Seattle, where he continues to live. Peter’s work has appeared in publications including The Atlantic and The Stranger. Peter attended Colby College.

Related Posts

businessman-viewing-news-update-journalism-headline-on-a-laptop
November 22

News Briefs: CDC Makes More RSV Immunizations Available to Infants

READ MORE
dna-strand
November 22

Papers Delve Into Payment Options for Gene Therapies

READ MORE
pills
November 22

A Closer Look at the Medicare Part D Landscape

READ MORE

GAIN THERAPEUTIC AREA-SPECIFIC INTEL TO DRIVE ACCESS FOR YOUR BRAND

Sign up for publications to get unmatched business intelligence delivered to your inbox.

subscribe today