Abbvie’s valiparib granted Orphan Drug Designation

AbbVie's oral poly polymerase (PARP) inhibitor valiparib has been granted Orphan Drug Designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Valiparib is being evaluated to treat advanced squamous non-small cell lung cancer in combination with chemotherapies.
"Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. and can be difficult to treat, particularly when diagnosed in later stages. This Orphan Drug Designation for veliparib recognizes the significant unmet need in patients with advanced squamous non-small cell lung cancer," AbbVie Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Michael Severino said. "AbbVie is committed to the ongoing development of veliparib in solid tumors to help advance the care of people living with cancer."
PARP is an enzyme produced by the body that repairs DNA located inside cells that have been damaged. This is a process that can help preserve healthy cells while also be used to repair DNA in cancer cells. Researchers are combining valiparib with cancer therapies that damage the cells, such as chemotherapy or radiation, to see if the PARP inhibitor will help keep those cells alive.