NeoImmuneTech announced that the FDA granted Orphan Drug designation to its novel efineptakin alfa therapy (NT-I7) for patients with pancreatic cancer. The company revealed that efineptakin alfa is a long-acting hybrid Fc–fused recombinant human interleukin-7 that has shown benefit in phase I and II clinical trials. Researchers discovered that NT-I7 was capable of amplifying T cells, strengthening the immune system, and enhancing antitumor activity in patients with pancreatic cancer. The company hopes NT-I7’s new designation may help expedite the development, approval, and availability of the agent. “This decision adds further credibility to our existing evidence that NT-I7 has the potential to bring a much-needed therapy option to [patients] suffering from pancreatic cancer,” concluded Luke Oh, PhD, President of NeoImmuneTech.