Orphan Drug

ABSTRACTInvestors undertake the time-consuming and costly program of drug development that transforms a potential drug candidate into a marketable medicine, only if it promises a good amount of return within a short time. A drug used for the clinical management of a rare disease does not attract the attention of investors because of the low return it provides. Such neglected drugs are called orphan drugs. Governments in some places give a number of concessions and incentives for the development of orphan drugs, so that they can survive competition with high-selling drugs. The possible role of repurposed drugs in dealing with the problems of rare diseases is also highlighted.