Susan Stein, Elizabeth Bogard, Nicole Boice, Vivian Fernandez, Tessa Field, Alan Gilstrap, Susan R. Kahn, Jane Larkindale and Toni Mathieson; Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases 201813:18 doi:10.1186/s13023-018-0761-2
Rare diseases are a global public health concern, affecting an estimated 350 million individuals. Only 5% of approximately 7000 known rare diseases have a treatment, and only about half have a patient advocacy organization. Biopharmaceutical companies face complex challenges in developing treatments for rare diseases. Patient advocacy organizations may play a major role by positively influencing research and development, clinical trials, and regulations. Thus, collaboration among patient advocacy organizations and industry is essential to bring new therapeutics to patients.