Sigma-Tau Pharmaceuticals recognized as a rare disease pioneer

Sigma-Tau Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced today that the Company was recognized last evening as a rare disease pioneer at the 30^th anniversary celebration of The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD).  During the event, Sigma-Tau received an innovation award for the development of CYSTARAN™ (cysteamine ophthalmic solution) 0.44% --  the first and only approved therapy for the treatment of corneal cystine crystal accumulation in patients with cystinosis.

"NORD applauds Sigma-Tau Pharmaceuticals, NIH researchers, and patient organizations for collaborating to develop CYSTARAN for the treatment of this debilitating eye complication of cystinosis," said Peter L. Saltonstall , President and Chief Executive Officer of NORD. "As one of the first companies to receive an orphan-drug designation nearly 30 years ago, Sigma-Tau is once again demonstrating its strong and enduring commitment to serving rare disease communities with innovative products and effective patient programs."

Sigma-Tau developed CYSTARAN in partnership with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and in cooperation with the Cystinosis Foundation, the Cystinosis Research Foundation, and the Cystinosis Research Network. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved CYSTARAN for the treatment of this painful and debilitating eye condition in October 2012.

"We applaud NORD and all award recipients for their dedication to bringing innovative therapies and new hope to patients with rare diseases," said Dave Lemus , Chief Executive Officer of Sigma-Tau. "We are privileged to receive this award and remain committed to serving the rare disease community by developing and delivering innovative therapies."