Top Selling (2026) Small Molecule Orphan Drugs: A Journey into Their Chemistry

Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Jan 4;24(2):930. doi: 10.3390/ijms24020930.

Abstract

This review describes, from a chemical point of view, the top "blockbuster" small molecule orphan drugs according to their forecasted sales in 2026. Orphan drugs are intended for the treatment, prevention, or diagnosis of a rare disease or condition. These molecules are mostly addressed to the treatment of rare forms of cancer. The respiratory and central nervous systems represent other common therapeutic subcategories. This work will show how the orphan drugs market has significantly grown and will account for a consistent part of prescriptions by 2026.

Keywords: EMA; FDA; new therapies; orphan drugs; synthesis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Commerce
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Orphan Drug Production*
  • Rare Diseases / drug therapy

Grants and funding

Project “DELPHI Star Labs” in the frame of the financial support of “Dipartimenti di Eccellenza 2018–2022” support the post-doc position of D.B.T.