One in 10 Americans suffers from a rare disease—that’s 30 million Americans who need access to treatment. According o the NIH, a rare disease is one that affects fewer than 200,000 people in the United States at any given time. Since the passage of the Orphan Drug Act in 1983, progress has been made in researching and developing drugs for the 7,000 rare diseases currently identified by scientists, but many diseases still lack adequate therapies, preventing patients from accessing new innovations.Â
What are some of the unique roadblocks drug manufacturers face when developing orphan drugs? How can we encourage new breakthrough treatments at prices patients can afford? What can policymakers do to increase innovation and access to orphan drugs for all patients?
The Hill will bring together researchers, advocates, and more for a comprehensive discussion on orphan drugs.
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