Shining a Light on Rare Diseases

February 21, 2022 / by Sharon King

Don't let the word "rare" fool you. While there are more than 7,000 rare diseases, the collective number of people impacted by them adds up to the same amount as those facing type 2 diabetes.

Despite the fact most people will not face the challenges of living with a rare diagnosis; significant effects of rare diseases run broad and deep around the world. The economic burden in the United States alone is estimated at more than $1 trillion each year.

Four independent studies provide evidence of the need for:

• More research
• Increased understanding of the challenges of living with a rare disease
• Assistance programs that can provide better support for patients and caregivers

Rare Disease Day, always the last day of February, shows our support and shines a light on the challenges faced by this fearless community.

We are in unprecedented times of innovation for rare diseases and the patient voice remains as critical as it always has. Much of our work at Aldevron is dedicated to these breakthroughs which requires strong and committed partners who understand the challenges and urgency of patients and families living with rare diagnoses – diseases that have few or no options.

Most of all, it calls for a willingness to work together to achieve the ultimate goal, which is also our mission: to make lives better. That mission is always our guiding light, but it shines even brighter each year on Rare Disease Day.

Don't let the word rare fool you. Rare is everywhere.