Sufferers of mesothelioma, an aggressive form of lung cancer may have a new treatment opportunity available to them.
Illinois-based pharmaceutical company, Pinnacle Biologics Inc., announce it has filed for Orphan Drug designation for one of its products called PHOTOFRIN, which can aid in surgical treatment of mesothelioma.
The Orphan Drug designation allows companies to develop drugs and treatments for illnesses that affect less than 200,000 people annually. This designation allows companies to take tax credits and marketing incentives.
Mesothelioma affects 2,000 to 3,000 people in the US annually. Each of these individuals must grapple with the high cost of their treatments and rely on mesothelioma attorneys to obtain much needed compensation.
This new treatment assists with mesothelioma surgery by utilizing photodynamic therapy which can help spare much of the lungs when tumors are removed. Surgery combined with chemotherapy and radiation can help mesothelioma patients have a better quality of life.
Mesothelioma is known to be caused by asbestos. When inhaled the minute fibers lodge in the lining of the lungs and other internal organs and causes a number of detrimental pulmonary diseases. It is an occupational hazard and widely used by numerous manufacturers. People, who contract this disease, often utilize mesothelioma lawyers to hold these companies accountable for their use of asbestos.
In addition to helping people with civil lawsuits, mesothelioma attorneys can help these victims find support from various organizations aimed at assisting victims of this disease.
