orphan drug

noun

: a drug that is not developed or marketed because its extremely limited use makes it unprofitable

Examples of orphan drug in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The company has received 'orphan drug' designation for LP-10 and LP-410, providing potential market exclusivity benefits. Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 28 Mar. 2025 The company has received Fast Track and orphan drug designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for iluzanebart in the treatment of ALSP. Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 13 Mar. 2025 The consequence of this is to disincentivize orphan drug development for rare cancers and other diseases. Jack Kalavritinos, Boston Herald, 8 Mar. 2025 Last September, the FDA granted orphan drug status to its treatment for neuroendocrine carcinoma, a designation which helps drug companies working on potentially life-saving drugs, where treatments are lacking, get to market more efficiently. Eric Rosenbaum, CNBC, 24 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for orphan drug

Word History

First Known Use

1981, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of orphan drug was in 1981

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Cite this Entry

“Orphan drug.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/orphan%20drug. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

Medical Definition

orphan drug

noun
: a drug that is not developed or marketed because its extremely limited use (as in the treatment of a rare disease) makes it unprofitable
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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