MFDS Marketing Authorisation & Orphan Drug Designation – South Korea

Orphan Drug Designation Recommendation (희귀의약품 지정 추천서)Regulation on Designation of Orphan Drugs Arts. 3-4 (MFDS Notice 2026-8); Pharmaceutical Affairs Act Art. 2(18)

Description & Eligibility

Standard route to market. The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety grants marketing authorisation, and separately designates orphan drugs (희귀의약품). Designation requires a domestic patient population of 20,000 or fewer, or an equivalent unmet-need ground, and the Korea Orphan & Essential Drug Center issues the designation recommendation that supports the application.

Eligibility Criteria

Domestic prevalence of 20,000 patients or fewer, or no alternative treatment available, or markedly improved safety/efficacy over existing alternatives

Legal Reference / Source

KODC — Orphan Drug Designation Recommendation

www.kodc.or.kr/cntnts/200

Countries Using This Pathway (1)

MFDS Marketing Authorisation & Orphan Drug Designation – South Korea
Approval FormOrphan Drug Designation Recommendation (희귀의약품 지정 추천서)
Legal StatusRegulation on Designation of Orphan Drugs Arts. 3-4 (MFDS Notice 2026-8); Pharmaceutical Affairs Act Art. 2(18)
Source Ref.KODC — Orphan Drug Designation Recommendation
Countries1 countries
Compliance Check
Legal Review9/1/2026
Global ValidityVerified