Cangene Corp.’s Varicella zoster immune globulin (VariZIG) has received orphan drug designation from the FDA for passive immunization for the treatment of exposed, susceptible individuals who are at risk of complications from varicella. This designation would give the drug seven years of market exclusivity if marketing approval is obtained and certain regulatory filing fees will be waived.

“This designation is another step in our commitment to address the unmet medical need faced by susceptible individuals who are exposed to chickenpox. It builds on the expanded access investigational new drug protocol that was approved in January by the FDA,” said Dr. John Langstaff, Cangene’s president and chief executive officer.