EMA Backs Record Number of Drugs for Rare Diseases in 2014

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) gave positive opinions on a record number of orphan medicines for rare diseases in 2014.

Of a total of 82 medicines for human use recommended in 2014, 17 are intended for the treatment of a rare disease, "providing therapies for patients who often have only few or no treatment options," the EMA notes in a news release.

For comparison, the agency recommended 11 orphan medicines in 2013, eight in 2012, and four each in 2011 and 2010.