Iclusig, a drug manufactured by Ariad Pharmaceuticals to treat resistant chronic myeloid leukemia, gained FDA approval last December—almost three months ahead of the anticipated timeline.  Iclusig gained orphan product designation as it is intended to treat a rare disease or condition. The special FDA program provides for an expedited approval for drugs which may provide safe and effective therapy for patients with diseases which have no satisfactory alternative therapy. Iclusig works by blocking specific proteins which appear to encourage the growth of cancerous cells and is generally used when other similar tyrosine kinase inhibitors have failed to work or the cells have become resistant.