Metabasis' liver drug gets orphan status in EU

Oct 2 (Reuters) - Metabasis Therapeutics (MBRX.O) said European regulators have granted orphan drug status to its experimental drug to treat hepatocellular carcinoma, or primary liver cancer, in the European Union.

Orphan drug status is given to drugs that have the potential to treat rare diseases. Once approved, the product may qualify for 10 years of marketing exclusivity in the EU. (Reporting by Jennifer Robin Raj in Bangalore)