WASHINGTON, D.C. – The pharmaceutical giant that makes a promising coronavirus drug has registered it as a rare disease treatment with U.S.
regulators, a status that can potentially be worth millions in tax breaks and competition-free sales. What that specialty status will actually mean for the marketing or profitability of Gilead Science's experimental drug remdesivir isn't clear.
The drugmaker did not immediately respond Tuesday to requests for comment. Experts who have studied the so-called “orphan drug” program say the company's request — and the Food and Drug Administration's decision to grant it — seem inappropriate given the rapidly expanding threat of the viral outbreak.