Friday, January 24, 2014

European Commission grants orphan drug status to Eisai's amatuximab for the treatment of malignant mesothelioma

The investigational monoclonal antibody amatuximab (development code: MORAb-009), has been granted orphan drug designation (ODD) for the treatment of malignant mesothelioma by the European Commission. Malignant mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects an estimated 1 in 50,000 (0.2/10,000) people per year in Europe.[1] Studies have shown highest incidence in the UK and Ireland and lowest in Eastern Europe.[1] This aggressive form of lung cancer is caused by asbestos exposure and despite a dramatic decrease in asbestos use since the mid-70s its incidence is expected to increase.

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