A new formulation of fludarabine phosphate has won orphan drug designation from the US Food and Drug Administration, it has been announced.

Xanthus Pharmaceuticals revealed that the tablet form of the drug, for which it holds the exclusive right to develop in the US following a deal with Schering AG, has been given the special status for use in the treatment of patients suffering with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

Patients living with CLL across the world have previously been treated with an intravenous form of fludarabine.

CLL progresses slowly and affects the blood and bone marrow, with those in middle age and the elderly among those most likely to develop the condition.

According to the figures from the American Cancer Society, around 15,340 new cases of the disease were diagnosed in the US in 2007.

Healthcare providers treating patients who have a rare disorder can obtain orphan drugs from Masters, which has more than 20 years of experience in sourcing and distributing medicines to medical professionals around the world.