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
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.
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 

Word History

First Known Use

1981, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of orphan drug was in 1981

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 28 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

orphan drug

noun
: a drug that is not developed or marketed because its extremely limited use (as in the treatment of a rare disease) makes it unprofitable
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!