Which of the following is a feature of the Orphan Drug Act?

The Orphan Drug Act was enacted to encourage the development of drugs for rare diseases that affect a small patient population. One of the primary features of this act is the provision of various incentives for pharmaceutical companies to invest in the research and development of these medications. This includes benefits such as extended exclusivity periods, grants, and assistance in the clinical research process. By providing these incentives, the Orphan Drug Act aims to stimulate innovation and ensure that patients with rare diseases have access to potential treatments that might otherwise be overlooked due to limited financial returns.

In contrast, mandatory distribution of drugs for rare diseases is not a requirement established by the act; rather, it is about facilitating their development. While subsidies for hospitals can be important in a broader healthcare context, they are not a specific feature of the Orphan Drug Act. Additionally, while regulatory compliance is crucial in drug development and distribution, the act does not impose tax penalties for non-compliance. Instead, it focuses on promoting and supporting the availability of treatments for rare diseases through its positive incentives.