Research Triangle Park-based Talecris Biotherapeutics has been granted orphan drug status for an aerosol formulation to treat a rare hereditary condition that increases the risk of diseases such as emphysema.
The designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is for the company's aerosol formulation of Alpha1-Proteinase Inhibitor. There are no other inhaled versions of the drug to treat the deficiency.
Orphan drug designation provides incentives such as tax credits and market exclusivity to encourage companies to invest in developing treatments that prevent, diagnose or treat rare, life-threatening or chronic illnesses that affect fewer than 200,000 people a year in the U.S.