European Organisation for Rare Diseases
The European Organisation for Rare Diseases is a non-governmental patient-driven alliance of patient organizations and individuals active in the field of rare diseases, that promotes research on rare diseases and commercial development of orphan drugs. EURORDIS is a dedicated to improving the quality of life of all people living with rare diseases in Europe. It was founded in 1997; it is supported by its members and by the French Muscular Dystrophy Association, the European Commission, corporate foundations and the health industry.
There are an estimated 20–30 million people living with rare diseases in Europe alone, and an estimated 6,000 rare diseases.
EURORDIS represents more than 700 rare disease organizations in 63 different countries, covering more than 2,000 rare diseases.
EURORDIS is a development of the patient self-advocacy movement, itself widely attributed to AIDS activism.
EURORDIS was the founding partner of Rare Disease Day in 2008 and remains its lead coordinator.
National organizations with a similar focus include National Organization for Rare Disorders in the United States, Canadian Organization for Rare Disorders in Canada, Organization for rare diseases India in India, Allianz Chronischer Seltener Erkrankungen in Germany, and Federación Española de Enfermedades Raras in Spain.
