The International Rare Diseases Research Consortium (IRDiRC)
IRDiRC: International Rare Diseases Research Consortium
The diagnosis for most patients affected by rare diseases remains a challenge and most are lacking dedicated therapies. Recent progress in human genomics and other scientific advances increases the prospect for developing effective interventions. Progress will require increased coordination and renewed efforts among multiple stakeholders across the world.
Research funders, patient advocacy groups, researchers, industry and regulatory agencies met April 6, 2011, for an International Rare Disease Research Consortium, IRDiRC. Success of this meeting included the endorsement of these objectives: 2020 diagnostic tests for most rare diseases and 200 new therapies for patients affected by rare diseases.
The group will next develop the scientific and policy framework to guide the research activities and foster collaboration among the stakeholders to systematically explore all the opportunities to accelerate the development of diagnostics and therapies for rare diseases.
