What is the primary purpose of the Orphan Drug Act of 1983?

The Orphan Drug Act of 1983 was established primarily to encourage the development of drugs for rare diseases, which are often referred to as "orphan diseases." Before this act, pharmaceutical companies were hesitant to invest in the research and development of treatments for conditions that affect a small percentage of the population, primarily because the potential market for such drugs was limited, making them less profitable.

The Orphan Drug Act provides various incentives for manufacturers, including tax credits, grants for clinical trials, and seven years of market exclusivity for the approved drug. These incentives serve to promote research and encourage the pharmaceutical industry to bring much-needed treatments to patients suffering from rare diseases.

The other options do not align with the primary intention of the Orphan Drug Act, illustrating the specific focus on enhancing drug development for conditions that otherwise might be overlooked due to their rarity.