Retrophin Announces Agreement to Acquire Orphan Technologies: A Look Into the Future of Rare Disease Treatment
Retrophin, a biopharmaceutical company, has recently announced their acquisition of Orphan Technologies, a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company that focuses on rare diseases. This acquisition positions Retrophin as a leading rare disease company, with a robust pipeline of therapies and a dedicated focus on improving the lives of those affected by rare diseases.
Orphan Technologies brings to Retrophin a rich portfolio of potential therapies for rare diseases, including OT-58, a novel treatment for classical homocystinuria, a rare genetic disorder that affects the body`s ability to process certain amino acids. With no FDA-approved treatments for this condition, the acquisition of Orphan Technologies and their potential treatment options could transform the lives of patients and families affected by this devastating disease.
This acquisition by Retrophin also highlights the growing importance of orphan drugs in the pharmaceutical industry. Orphan drugs are defined as those used to treat rare diseases, which affect fewer than 200,000 people in the United States. While these diseases individually affect a small portion of the population, when taken together, they affect millions of people worldwide.
The development of drugs for rare diseases has historically been overlooked by big pharmaceutical companies due to the small patient population and the high development costs associated with these drugs. However, the Orphan Drug Act of 1983 provided incentives for pharmaceutical companies to develop drugs for rare diseases, including tax credits, exclusivity periods, and expedited FDA approvals.
Since the passage of the Orphan Drug Act, the number of drugs approved by the FDA for rare diseases has increased dramatically. In 2019 alone, the FDA approved 48 drugs for rare diseases, accounting for more than 40% of all drug approvals that year.
The acquisition of Orphan Technologies by Retrophin is a prime example of how pharmaceutical companies are recognizing the potential of rare disease treatments and investing in their development. With the prevalence of rare diseases on the rise, specialty pharmaceutical companies like Retrophin and Orphan Technologies are becoming increasingly important in the healthcare industry.
In the coming years, it is likely that we will continue to see an increase in the number of orphan drugs available for rare diseases, with companies like Retrophin leading the way in research and development efforts. This is great news for patients and families affected by rare diseases, who have long struggled to find effective treatments for these conditions.
In conclusion, the acquisition of Orphan Technologies by Retrophin is a significant move towards the development of more effective treatments for rare diseases. It is a step in the right direction towards improving the lives of patients and families affected by these devastating conditions. As the pharmaceutical industry continues to prioritize the development of orphan drugs, we can only hope for more promising advances in rare disease treatment in the future.