Sunday, February 28, 2010

Rare Diseases Day

Just a quick note to remind you today is Rare Diseases Day. A rare disease is one that affects less than 1 in 2000 people. Because of the infrequent occurrence, these diseases tend to be overlooked by many, including Pharma, as there is generally no financial incentive, as the potential market is so limited (Genzyme is an exception--see the previous posts about Gaucher's disease and orphan drugs).

You can learn more about this from the European Organisation for Rare Diseases, EURORDIS, an umbrella group of organizations addressing problems of specific rare diseases and encouraging research in these areas. Check it out. They have great information./a>