Final answer:
The Orphan Drug Act was enacted in 1983 with the goal of encouraging the development of treatments for rare diseases, known as orphan diseases. It provides incentives for pharmaceutical companies to invest in research and development of drugs for orphan diseases.
Step-by-step explanation:
The original intent of the Orphan Drug Act was to encourage the development of treatments for rare diseases, known as orphan diseases, which affect a small number of people. The Act was enacted in 1983. It provides incentives for pharmaceutical companies to invest in research and development of drugs for orphan diseases, such as tax credits, grants, and exclusivity rights.
One of the main goals of the Orphan Drug Act was to address the lack of available treatments for rare diseases due to the limited market potential and high development costs. By providing incentives, the Act aims to stimulate the development of treatments for orphan diseases and improve the lives of individuals affected by these conditions.