ChemGenex gains orphan status for cancer drug

The FDA has granted orphan drug status to ChemGenex's cancer drug Ceflatonin for treating chronic myeloid leukemia. Ceflatonin has delivered positive results in a mid-stage trial. It works by promoting the death of myeloid cells. Orphan status provides seven years of market exclusivity for drugs that target fewer than 200,000 patients.

- here's the AP report

PLUS: SciClone received orphan drug status for thymalfasin, the active ingredient in Zadaxin, a therapy for malignant melanoma. Report