BIO joins NORD in supporting goals of Rare Disease Day.

Press Release Summary:



According to BIO President and CEO Jim Greenwood, BIO is proud to join with National Organization for Rare Disorders and coalition of more than 300 organizations, government agencies, and companies to focus attention on rare diseases. Biotechnology has led to many rare disease therapies and cures developed over last 2 decades. While FDA estimates that 11-14 million Americans benefit from these products, more than 15 million Americans have diseases for which there is no approved treatment.



Original Press Release:



BIO Joins NORD in Supporting the Goals of Rare Disease Day



Advocacy Groups, Patient Communities and Industry Unite to Raise Awareness of Rare Diseases

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) President and CEO Jim Greenwood issued the following statement today in observance of Rare Disease Day 2010. This event recognizes the profound need for more medical research and the unique partnership that exists between rare disease patients and researchers.

"BIO is proud to join with the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) and a coalition of more than 300 organizations, government agencies and companies to focus attention on rare diseases as a public health concern.

"Patients with rare diseases represent a critically underserved population in the U.S. and around the world. Sadly, individuals suffering from one of these wide-ranging debilitating diseases often have no treatment options. Rare Disease Day was first observed in the U.S. last year to address the common issues facing these patients and to focus attention on their needs.

"Biotechnology innovation has led to many of the rare disease therapies and cures developed over the last two decades. Indeed, the mission of many biotech companies is to bring hope to the patients who suffer from these conditions. Biotechnology companies are leading the way toward a new generation of personalized medicine and better targeted therapies.

"In fact, more than 340 drugs and therapies have been approved by FDA to combat rare diseases. While the FDA estimates that from 11 to 14 million Americans benefit from these products, that still leaves more than 15 million Americans with diseases for which there is no approved treatment yet. Our industry will continue to work with NORD and other partners to bring new medicines, therapies and, one day, cures to these patients and the millions more in need around the world."

For information on Rare Disease Day activities in the U.S.: www.rarediseaseday.us

For information about NORD:www.rarediseases.org

About BIO

BIO represents more than 1,200 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and in more than 30 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of innovative healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products. BIO also produces the BIO International Convention, the world's largest gathering of the biotechnology industry, along with industry-leading investor and partnering meetings held around the world.

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