Here's a nice bit of news...
WARREN, N.J., Oct. 23 (Reuters) - Celgene Corp
(Nasdaq:CELG - news) has received
''orphan drug designation'' from the FDA for its thalidomide
drug as a treatment for the
blood cancer, multiple myeloma, the company said Friday.
Orphan drug designation by the Food and Drug
Administration is intended to encourage research and
development of new
therapies for diseases affecting fewer than 200,000
Americans. It provides for seven years' marketing exclusivity
following the
FDA approval of an orphan drug designated indication.
Celgene said the FDA designation for its lead compound,
Thalomid -- the company's brand name for thalidomide --
means it
could carry out clinical tests but not yet market the drug as a
treatment for multiple myeloma.
In July, Celgene received FDA approval to market and sell
Thalomid to treat a side-effect of leprosy known as erythemas
nodosum leprosum, a painful condition that causes bumps
under the skin. The drug, available since Oct. 1 for the leprosy
indication, is also being tested as a treatment for other
diseases, including AIDS-related conditions, Celgene's
President and
Chief Operating Officer Sol Barer told Reuters. |
