SOUNDS OF SCIENCE - EPISODE 4

In today’s episode, we discuss upcoming developments in the field of rare diseases, a timely matter as Rare Disease Day approaches on 28 February. Rare disease is a topic which is very close to the heart of our organisation, as almost half of our 130 members work in the field of medicines for rare diseases, also called orphan medicinal products or orphan drugs.

Rare diseases have an important place on the EU agenda, with the French presidency positioning it as one of their priorities plus there continues to be an increasing level of work at the EU level to foster research and clinical excellence in this field. Most importantly for our case, the upcoming revision of the EU orphan medicinal products. Today we want to give you a little more detail on the background of this revision, as well as the possible outcomes and implications for the rare disease community.

Our guests for today:

• Rachel Finnegan, Head of Government Affairs, BioMarin EMEA


• Vittoria Carraro, Associate Director for Government Affairs, EUCOPE

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EUCOPE is Europe’s trade body for small to medium-sized innovative companies working in the field of pharmaceuticals and medical technologies.

Based in Brussels, Belgium, EUCOPE gives voice to more than 900 research-oriented innovative companies and associations active in research, development of pharmaceuticals, biotechnologies and medical devices. Many of our 130 members are developing therapeutic solutions for persons living with a rare disease, who had little to no treatment available just a few years ago.

Our website: www.eucope.org

Twitter: @eucope

Linkedin: EUCOPE