orphan drug

noun

1. Pharmacology. a drug that remains undeveloped or untested or is otherwise neglected because of limited potential for commercial gain.

Word History and Origins

Origin of orphan drug¹

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

"They are essentially buying an orphan drug portfolio," Yaron Werber, an analyst at TD Cowen, told Reuters.

From Reuters

The FDA gave Tepezza “orphan drug” status, which comes with financial incentives and exclusive marketing, benefits that are intended to encourage drugmakers to develop rare disease treatments.

From Washington Times

The FDA gave Tepezza “orphan drug” status, which comes with financial incentives and exclusive marketing, benefits that are intended to encourage drugmakers to develop rare disease treatments.

From Seattle Times

Libmeldy is a so-called orphan drug - a pharmaceutical agent developed to treat a medical condition which, because it is so rare, may not be profitable to produce without some form of government assistance.

From BBC

Two years after this child got her diagnosis, the Food and Drug Administration approved an orphan drug designed specifically for this disorder, called burosumab.

From New York Times