Driving Science Forward, Together

As those of us in the research community know well, every rare disease is different. Symptoms vary, underlying causes vary, and patients’ lived experiences can most certainly vary.

Still, the rare disease community is often united by their common goals and challenges. Rare diseases – of which there are approximately 7,000 – can be debilitating, progressive, and life-threatening. The path to diagnosis can be long, and, even after a diagnosis is definitive, treatment options can remain limited. Particularly in this moment, when the world is battling against the COVID-19 crisis, the heightened need for social distancing and lack of certain resources can be isolating, taking further toll on mental and physical health. But across the community, there is a passionate group of advocates – scientists, clinicians, patients, caregivers, and many others – collaborating to raise awareness about these conditions, the needs of patients and their families, the role policymakers can play to help improve support, and the opportunity for research to advance long-awaited potential therapeutics.

At Pfizer, we’re heartened by these efforts, which shine greater light on the impact rare diseases have around the globe and the potential that novel therapies could make in changing patients’ lives. Throughout May, we honor the importance of this work in special recognition of ALS Awareness Month, GBS | CIDP Awareness Month, and PKU Awareness Month.

Over the course of my 30-year career, I have seen tremendous progress in our understanding of, and approach to, rare diseases, but our collective work is far from done. Together with patients, advocates, and partners, we are driven to push science forward and deliver pioneering breakthroughs for those in need. Together, we believe that Science Will Win. 

Learn more about Pfizer’s Rare Disease research, advocacy, and partnerships at www.pfizer.com.