True regarding orphan drug is
**Core Concept**
Orphan drugs are medications designed to treat rare medical conditions, also known as orphan diseases. These conditions affect a small percentage of the population, often with limited treatment options available. The development of orphan drugs is incentivized by regulatory bodies to address the unmet medical needs of these patients.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Orphan drugs are exempt from certain regulatory requirements and receive tax credits and other financial incentives to encourage research and development. This is because the market for these drugs is often too small to justify the investment costs of traditional pharmaceutical development. Regulatory agencies, such as the US FDA, provide orphan drug designation to eligible products, which can expedite the review process and provide exclusive marketing rights for a specified period.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because orphan drugs are not solely developed for rare cancers. While some rare cancers may be eligible for orphan drug designation, the definition encompasses a broader range of conditions.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because orphan drugs are not necessarily less expensive than other pharmaceuticals. The cost of developing an orphan drug can be high, and the resulting product may be priced similarly to other medications.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key aspect of orphan drug development is the Orphan Drug Act (ODA), which provides financial incentives and regulatory support for the development of these medications. Understanding the ODA and its implications is crucial for pharmaceutical companies and researchers working in this field.
**Correct Answer:** C.