FDA grants orphan status to Clinuvel’s afamelanotide

NEW YORK The Food and Drug Administration has granted orphan drug status to Australia-based Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals’ drug for erythropoietic porphyries, afamelanotide.

The disease, which affects fair-skinned people, causes light sensitivity, severe pain, swelling and scarring. People with the disease must often stay indoors.

The FDA grants orphan status for drugs to treat rare illnesses.