Rare diseases need more than rare solutions

Rare diseases are not as rare as you may think. Collectively they affect over 30 million people in Europe¹ and around 350 million people across the globe.² A Disease is rare when it affects less than 1 in 2,000 people. Although there are over 7,000 different rare diseases, most share similar characteristics: they are often chronic, lifelong genetic conditions (72%) with childhood-onset (70%).¹ Most rare diseases have no cure and are associated with reduced life expectancy and decreased quality of life.^1,4

The lack of awareness of rare diseases and treatment options can make the entire experience, from diagnosis onwards, one of challenges and uncertainty. The complexities and challenges of diagnosing and managing each rare disease overlap considerably with many commonalities. They do not vary as much as the diseases themselves.

As we have done for the past 40 years, we stand by the rare disease heroes at Novo Nordisk. We are driving innovation to discover new medicines and technologies to transform how we diagnose, treat, and care for people with rare diseases. We believe everyone has the right to good health and care tailored to their needs, no matter how unique. The desire to create a better future where fewer people are burdened by serious chronic and rare diseases drives us as Novo Nordisk.

Rare diseases need more than rare solutions. That's why we're driving change for people living with rare diseases for generations to come.