AVI seeks orphan status for experimental SARS drug

By Staff Writers
Friday, 15 August, 2003

US firm Avi BioPharma has asked US regulators to grant 'orphan' status to its experimental drug against the virus that causes SARS, a designation meant to provide seven years of marketing exclusivity for medicines.

The Portland, Oregon-based drugmaker said it will seek the special status for its medicine, AVI-4179, based on positive pre-clinical data.

The US Food and Drug Administration grants orphan status to drugs for diseases that annually affect fewer than 200,000 Americans. The special designation is meant to encourage drug makers to develop products for rare or relatively uncommon ailments.

Related News

Victoria detects H5N1 avian influenza strain

It follows disease confirmation in seabirds in WA, SA, NSW and Qld and the national decision that...

TGA acts on melatonin imports with infringement notices totalling $99K

Laboratory testing of several imported unregistered melatonin products has confirmed them to be...

Scientists search for cystitis pain 'off switch'

By targeting certain pain receptors in the bladder, Australian scientists believe that the...


  • All content Copyright © 2026 Westwick-Farrow Pty Ltd