GAITHERSBURG, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sigma-Tau Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a leader in the development and commercialization of medicines for patients with rare diseases, today announced that the company has changed its name to Leadiant Biosciences, Inc. reaffirming the company’s continued strong commitment to the patient communities it serves.

The announcement coincides with Rare Disease Day 2017, a global campaign to raise awareness of rare diseases and improve access to available treatments and medical representation for people, and their caregivers, whose lives are impacted by these conditions. Now in its 10th year, Rare Disease Day is an annual celebration organized by the European Organization for Rare Diseases (EURORDIS) and the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). This year’s theme, With Research, Possibilities Are Limitless, underscores the importance of collaborative research in the drug-development process and recognizes the contributions of patients and families in advocating for increased investment in rare disease research.

“Rare Disease Day is the perfect time to unveil our new name and reaffirm our commitment to the study of rare diseases, which has been an integral part of our heritage dating back to 1984 when we became only the fourth company in the world to receive an Orphan Drug Designation in the U.S.,” said Michael Minarich, chief executive officer, Leadiant Biosciences, Inc. “In 2017, Leadiant Biosciences will realize several important and exciting milestones in our product pipeline, as well as continuing multiple ongoing clinical trials.”

For more information about the vision, mission and work of Leadiant Biosciences, Inc. visit www.leadiant.com.

For more information about Rare Disease Day 2017, visit www.rarediseaseday.org or www.rarediseaseday.us.

About Leadiant Biosciences, Inc.

Leadiant Biosciences, Inc. (formerly Sigma-Tau Pharmaceuticals, Inc.) is a U.S.-based, wholly owned subsidiary of Leadiant Biosciences S.p.A., a research-based pharmaceutical company dedicated to the development and commercialization of medicines for patients with rare diseases. Based in Gaithersburg, Maryland, Leadiant Biosciences, Inc. dedicates considerable scientific and financial resources to the research, development, and distribution of novel and effective therapies that address patient needs and improve quality of life. For more information, visit www.leadiant.com.