Orphan Medicines in Europe

Navigating the Landscape of Orphan Medicines in the European Union

Finding an effective treatment for a patient suffering from one out of the more than 6000 distinct rare diseases in the EU can be very challenging. An orphan medicines is a medicinal product developed for the treatment of a rare disease. The EU’s orphan designation program encourages the development of medicines to help these patients.1

Over 1900 orphan medicines with designation

Advancing Treatment Options: Over 1900 Orphan Medicines Under Evaluation by the COMP

The Committee for Orphan Medicinal Products (COMP) in charge for assessing applications for designation as an orphan medicinal product. If a medicine reaches the marketing authorization stage, it is re-evaluated by the COMP re-evaluates whether the criteria are still met and the orphan medicine status can be maintained.

Over 140 orphan medicines authorized in the EU

Milestones in Rare Disease Treatment: Over 140 Orphan Medicines Authorized in the EU

Medicinal products designated and authorized as orphan medicinal products receive market protection for 10 years protection.

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