Across the globe, the breadth of the rare disease challenge is immense. It is estimated that 350 million people worldwide suffer from rare diseases. “While an individual disease might be labeled as “rare”, the total number of persons in Europe suffering from one of the over 6000 different identified rare diseases is estimated at over 30 million. An individual rare disease may affect only one person in a million, but all together, rare disease patients comprise 6% to 8 % of the EU population.” (EURORDIS 2014).
“In recent years, several new rare diseases are being included in clinical trials for the development of orphan drug candidate. Oncology, Genetic diseases, Autoimmune, pulmonary disease, Central nervous system and others are main focus of orphan drug developers. All of these diseases have large patient base but their rare forms doesn’t have suitable therapeutics which reflects the marketing potential of orphan drugs in these segments.

Out of these, oncology segment has got maximum attention followed by rare genetic disorders, neurological disorder and autoimmune disorders. In a bigger view, orphan drug segment is expected to grow several folds in coming years due to several favorable factors. Introduction of innovative technologies, favourable pricing, reimbursement, unmet medical necessities and strong clinical pipeline could be attributed as important factors responsible for their growth.” (Research and Markets’ Global Orphan Drug Market Future Outlook 2020 2015)

Orphan Drugs & Rare Diseases Global Congress 2016 Europe is going in its 2nd year in July 2016. The conference will provide a unique platform for the convergence of stakeholders in the orphan drugs industry to discuss and network with top tier government, hospitals, pharmaceuticals, biopharmaceuticals, non-profit organisations, orphan drugs developers as well as regional and local manufacturers. We are putting together an agenda that address the driving macroeconomic factors, policies and issues that will steer the development of orphan drugs globally including commercialisation, policies, reimbursement, pricing and more. We look forward to having you be part of the event!