Regulatory Considerations Toward Orphan Drug Designation and Orphan Drug Exclusivity in the United States and European Union: Structural Similarity, Clinical Superiority/Significant Benefit, and Case Studies

Abstract

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and European Commission have developed successful orphan drug legislation to promote the research, development, and marketing approval of drugs to treat rare diseases. Central to these regulations are the concepts of structural similarity and clinical superiority/significant benefit to achieve orphan drug exclusivity. However, differences in health authority expectations remain regarding the qualification for an orphan drug designation, defining structural similarity, and demonstrating clinical superiority/significant benefit. These differences can create sponsor company uncertainty regarding the approvability of products (e.g., blocking risk by an existing orphan product) and divergent orphan drug decisions among health authorities. A comprehensive assessment of current regulations, case studies in exclusivities, and recommendations for improvement are presented.

Keywords: Clinical superiority; Orphan drug designation; Orphan drug exclusivity; Rare disease; Structural similarity.