CuraGen receives orphan drug designation for CR002

CuraGen Corporation announced on November 10, 2004, that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had granted orphan drug designation to CR002, a fully human monoclonal antibody, as a potential treatment to slow the progression of IgA nephropathy and delay kidney failure in patients affected by the disease. CR002 will be evaluated in a Phase I trial to determine its safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics. Currently, there is no FDA approved treatment of IgA nephropathy.