The US Food and Drug Administration has given a new drug designed to treat patients with Myotonic Muscular Dystrophy (MMD) orphan drug designation, it has been announced.

Drug firm Insmed said that Iplex had been given the nod from the body as the drug continues to undergo a 24-week phase III enabling trial in patients suffering from MMD.

While those with the condition have some of the same symptoms as those with other forms of muscular dystrophy, according to the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign, there are some notable differences.

Patients usually experience their muscles becoming increasingly weak but the progression of muscle wastage tends to be slower in patients with MMD, with the muscles usually most affected being those in the face, jaw and neck.

This contrasts with other forms of MS, which can have a serious debilitating effect on the large muscles of the legs.

Healthcare providers who need to obtain orphan drugs for patients with a unique unmet need can contact Masters, which has many years of experience in sourcing and distributing medicines across the globe.