The work of the CRDN focuses on three interconnected research-to-care pillars that span the patients’ needs from diagnostics and registries to innovative therapies, to care, support, and empowerment. In addition, there is a fourth ‘enabling’ pillar, which spans across all areas and aligns efforts and partnerships at both the national and global levels.
Explore the Pillars of Our Work:
The network aims to advance precision diagnostics to reduce the time it takes to identify rare diseases and facilitate quicker access to appropriate care and support. It will also be actively involved in enabling and supporting patient registries that create centralized databases that not only contribute to research but also provide a valuable resource for patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals seeking information and support.
The network will support the exploration of treatment possibilities for RD by encouraging both pharmacological (new drugs and repurposed existing agents) and non-pharmacological innovations, recognizing that holistic approaches, including medical devices, therapeutic techniques, and lifestyle interventions can be instrumental in enhancing overall well-being. It is committed to enabling transformative clinical trials for these diverse treatment modalities, ensuring comprehensive and personalized care for all and supporting efforts to establish optimal care pathways.
The network recognises the multi-dimensional needs of rare disease patients and their families, and is dedicated to establishing a framework that not only delivers essential, coordinated medical care but also extends support that is deeply rooted in the familial and community context. The emphasis on family and community-centered care and support underscores the network’s commitment to building a supportive ecosystem that acknowledges the pivotal role and broader needs of families and communities, while helping to empower individuals who live with rare diseases.
Effective collaboration, both nationally and globally, is a cornerstone that spans across all three pillars, accelerating progress by sharing knowledge, resources, and best practices. By building strong partnerships with research institutions, healthcare providers, patient organizations, and international networks, we can tackle complex challenges, drive innovation, and implement effective solutions. Strengthening these ties enhances our ability to address rare diseases, harmonize approaches, and contribute to a unified, impactful global rare disease community.
More information on the pillars and priorities will become available as working meetings take place throughout 2024. If you are interested in becoming a member of the CRDN and getting involved in its work, please submit an Expression of Interest in Membership here.
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