Which act requires that ethical research practices are followed in the development of new drugs for rare diseases?

The Orphan Drug Act of 1983 is the legislation that specifically mandates ethical research practices related to the development of new drugs for rare diseases, also known as orphan diseases. This act was designed to encourage pharmaceutical companies to develop treatments for conditions that affect a relatively small number of patients, which often makes the pursuit of drug development less economically viable.

The Orphan Drug Act provides incentives such as tax credits, grants for clinical research, and a seven-year period of market exclusivity following FDA approval for approved orphan drugs. These provisions not only help ensure that research is conducted ethically but also make it financially feasible for companies to invest in the development of treatments for diseases that may not otherwise attract significant attention or funding.

In contrast, the Prescription Drug Marketing Act of 1987 primarily addresses the distribution and marketing of prescription drugs and does not focus specifically on research practices for rare diseases. The Kefauver-Harris Amendment of 1962 primarily dealt with the requirements for drug efficacy and safety, and the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906 established the foundation for drug regulation but is not specifically aimed at the ethical practices in the context of orphan drug development. Thus, the Orphan Drug Act stands out as the legislation that directly relates to the ethical development of