January 17, 2013 – The Philadelphia mesothelioma attorneys at the Shein Law are pleased to report that Morphotek Inc. has recently announced that their investigational cancer drug, Amatuximab, has received a designation of orphan drug status from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma. Malignant pleural mesothelioma is the most common form of mesothelioma with approximately 2,500 new cases diagnosed each year in the United States. New medications or treatments that become available provide hope for those individuals suffering from mesothelioma because currently there is no cure for this rare and deadly disease.
Orphan Drug Amatuximab Approved for the Treatment of Pleural Mesothelioma
Orphan drug status is given to a drug that has the potential to help diagnose, prevent or provide safe and effective treatment of a rare disease whose incidence is less than 200,000 cases in the United States. Along with the designation of orphan drug status, the sponsor of the product is eligible for specific financial incentives including tax credits and prescription drug user fee waivers. In addition, they are entitled to a period of seven years of exclusive marketing.
The biopharmaceutical company Morphotek, which is a subsidiary of Eisai Inc., makes Amatuximab. Amatuximab is categorized as a chimeric IgG1 antibody that has the capability to target a specific glycoprotein, known as mesothelin, which is found on the surface of several cancer cells including pleural mesothelioma cells. Amatuximab has the ability to bind to the mesothelin and produce an immune response against the tumor cells. Researchers at John Hopkins University and the National Cancer Institute have each confirmed that mesothelin is a potential target for immune-based therapies and gene therapies. The designation of orphan drug status will allow Morphotek to make Amatuximab available to mesothelioma patients sooner. This new drug may offer mesothelioma patients hope for improved survival rates or even a cure,
Philadelphia Mesothelioma Attorneys at the Shein Law: Fighting for the Rights of Mesothelioma Victims and Their Families
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease or cancer, it is important to discuss your situation with an experienced mesothelioma attorney. With offices conveniently located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Pennsauken, New Jersey, the mesothelioma attorneys at the Shein Law represent clients throughout the Pennsylvania – New Jersey – Delaware region. We will meet with you and your family at a location convenient to you. Call the Shein Law today to schedule a free and confidential consultation with one of our dedicated mesothelioma lawyers at 1-877-SHEINLAW (743-4652) or contact us online.