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
The drug has been granted orphan drug and fast track designations by the FDA and is eligible for Accelerated Approval and Priority Review, which could shorten the time to a potential approval, according to a press release.
—
Melissa Rudy, Fox News, 16 Oct. 2024
It was confirmed that an orphan drug can treat necrosis caused by spitting-cobra venom.
—Harper's Magazine, 25 June 2024
Because these conditions affect so few people, the financial risks and logistical challenges of developing rare disease therapies — also known as orphan drugs — are often prohibitive.
—Joe and Courtney Dion, STAT, 10 June 2024
Some drugmakers are lobbying for orphan drugs to be exempt from the price caps being set by state boards.
—Meghana Keshavan, STAT, 22 Mar. 2024
See all Example Sentences for orphan drug 
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.
Melissa Rudy, Fox News, 16 Oct. 2024
It was confirmed that an orphan drug can treat necrosis caused by spitting-cobra venom.
—Harper's Magazine, 25 June 2024
Because these conditions affect so few people, the financial risks and logistical challenges of developing rare disease therapies — also known as orphan drugs — are often prohibitive.
—Joe and Courtney Dion, STAT, 10 June 2024
Some drugmakers are lobbying for orphan drugs to be exempt from the price caps being set by state boards.
—Meghana Keshavan, STAT, 22 Mar. 2024
See all Example Sentences for orphan drug
Dictionary Entries Near orphan drug
Cite this Entry
“Orphan drug.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/orphan%20drug. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share