Rare diseases need more than rare solutions

Rare diseases are more common than you think. Collectively they affect over 30 million people in Europe¹ and around 350 million people across the globe.² A disease is defined as 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

For people living with a rare disease, the lack of awareness and treatment options can make the entire experience extremely challenging and uncertain. Though each rare disease is complex and challenging to diagnose and manage, they do share many commonalities.

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 therapies and care tailored to their needs, no matter how unique. 

Rare diseases need more than rare solutions. That’s why we’re driving change to create a better future where people living with a rare disease are less limited by their diagnosis and can live their life as they wish.