Researchers Argue Orphan Drug Designation Has Been Overused
March 11
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.
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