While an individual disease might be labeled as “rare”, the total number of persons in Europe suffering from identified rare diseases is large. Around 36 million people in Europe out of a population of 742 million are likely to suffer from a debilitating rare disease. This represents a huge unmet medical need and a significant public health challenge. 80% of rare diseases are of genetic origin and are often chronic and life-threatening often affecting newborns, children, and young adults.1
In Europe, a disease is considered rare if fewer than 5 in 10,000 people suffer from it. There are more than 6,000 rare diseases. One rare disease may affect only a handful of patients in the EU, and another touch as many as 245,000. Very few medicines are available for these rare diseases. One of the reasons is that companies can barely cover the costs of developing medicines for such small numbers of patients.1
Dedicated research in the field of rare diseases is the cornerstone for understanding and managing these conditions.
Collaboration is key in the rare disease domain.
The rarity and diversity of these diseases require tailor-made political concepts.
Understanding and addressing rare diseases is not just a scientific and medical challenge; it also requires public awareness and patient engagement.
Dedicated research in the field of rare diseases is the cornerstone for understanding and managing these conditions.
Collaboration is key in the rare disease domain.
The rarity and diversity of these diseases require tailor-made political concepts.
Understanding and addressing rare diseases is not just a scientific and medical challenge; it also requires public awareness and patient engagement.
Dedicated research in the field of rare diseases is the cornerstone for understanding and managing these conditions.
Collaboration is key in the rare disease domain.
The rarity and diversity of these diseases require tailor-made political concepts.
Understanding and addressing rare diseases is not just a scientific and medical challenge; it also requires public awareness and patient engagement.
Dedicated research in the field of rare diseases is the cornerstone for understanding and managing these conditions.
Collaboration is key in the rare disease domain.
The rarity and diversity of these diseases require tailor-made political concepts.
Understanding and addressing rare diseases is not just a scientific and medical challenge; it also requires public awareness and patient engagement.
Dedicated research in the field of rare diseases is the cornerstone for understanding and managing these conditions.
Collaboration is key in the rare disease domain.
The rarity and diversity of these diseases require tailor-made political concepts.
Understanding and addressing rare diseases is not just a scientific and medical challenge; it also requires public awareness and patient engagement.
1. Rare Diseases – European Commission https://health.ec.europa.eu/european-reference-networks/rare-diseases_en