European Organisation for Rare Diseases

EURORDIS-Rare Diseases Europe, known as EURORDIS, is a non-governmental, patient-driven alliance of patient organisations and individuals active in the field of rare diseases. It promotes research on rare diseases and the commercial development of orphan drugs, and it works to improve the quality of life of people living with rare diseases in Europe. It was founded in 1997 and is supported by its members, the French Muscular Dystrophy Association, the European Commission, corporate foundations and the health industry. It represents more than 960 rare disease organisations in 63 countries and was the founding partner and lead coordinator of Rare Disease Day, first held in 2008.