Orphan drug designation will give the biotech firm European marketing exclusivity for up to 10 years. Orphan status is given to drugs that provide for unmet medical needs or rare conditions.
Trovax has been studied in phase III trials and demonstrated encouraging results. One incident resulted in the complete disappearance of a kidney cancer patient’s tumor. Researchers believe that the vaccine will be beneficial for colo-rectal, prostate and breast cancer patients.
The company said it is seeking a partner to assist in the development and commercialization of the drug. Final orphan drug designation for TroVax is expected from the EU in early 2007.