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# Salix Gets Orphan Status for Sickle Cell Drug
- URL: https://www.fdaweb.com/salix-gets-orphan-status-for-sickle-cell-drug/
- Published: 2020-11-02T12:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-14T16:34:55.000Z
- Author: David McFarland
- Tags: Drugs, #legacy-id-D5148001

FDA has granted Salix Pharmaceuticals an orphan drug designation for rifaximin and its use in treating sickle cell disease. Early data suggest that rifaximin may reduce vaso-occlusive crisis in patients with sickle cell disease, the company says. Salix says it is finalizing Phase 2 trial protocols to further evaluate the drug’s potential in the patient population early next year.