Adherex Technologies Inc. of Durham received orphan drug designation for a treatment it is testing against malignant melanoma.
Orphan drug status is granted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and provides potential incentives such as funding for clinical studies, study design assistance, waiver of FDA user fees, tax credits and, importantly, up to seven years of market exclusivity upon marketing approval.
"FDA orphan drug designation for ADH-1 is an important asset in Adherex’s development of this drug," said Dr. William P. Peters, CEO and Chairman of Adherex.