February 28th: Rare Disease Day

First launched by EURORDIS (The Voice of Rare Disease Patients in Europe) in 2008, Rare Disease Day takes place on the last day of February every year.

A disease is considered rare if it affects fewer than 1 in 2 000 000 people (for the US). Rare diseases tend to not get as much publicity as, for example, various types of cancer or heart diseases. Still, they have a dramatic effect on lives of the sufferers, 50% of whom are children.

Due to the fact that these diseases are very diverse and uncommon, their research and treatment become challenging. In most cases, the studies need to be conducted on the international level to gather the most thorough and accurate data. Because the symptoms can easily be mistaken with the ones for other diseases, these studies also require professionals with the most extensive expertise.

GCT is proud to be responsible for managing a number of rare disease trials over the 17 years that we’ve been in business. Our goal is that people with rare diseases all around the world can receive the needed care and attention. Spread the information, so that we are more aware of rare diseases, and therefore more willing and capable of helping patients suffering from them.