What does the Orphan Drug Act aim to encourage?

The Orphan Drug Act is specifically designed to encourage the development of treatments for rare diseases that affect a small number of individuals. By providing incentives such as tax credits, grants, and extended market exclusivity, the act aims to stimulate research and development in areas where the market may be less profitable due to the limited number of patients. This legislation recognizes the need for therapies for conditions that might otherwise be overlooked due to their rarity and provides a framework to support their development.

The other choices do not align with the primary goal of the Orphan Drug Act. The act does not focus on common diseases, price reductions, or the elimination of pharmaceutical patents, but rather on fostering an environment that incentivizes pharmaceutical companies to invest in therapies for rare conditions.