The European Organization for Rare Diseases (EURORDIS) 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 (AFM), the European Commission, corporate foundations and the health industry.[1]
There are an estimated 20–30 million people living with rare diseases in Europe alone,[2] and an estimated 6,000 rare diseases. EURORDIS represents more than 461 rare disease organizations in 45 different countries (of which 24 are EU Member States), covering more than 1,200 rare diseases.[1]
EURORDIS is a development of the patient self-advocacy movement, itself widely attributed to AIDS activism.[3]
EURORDIS was the founding partner and lead coordinator for Rare Disease Day in 2008.[4]
National organizations with a similar focus include National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) in the United States, Canadian Organization for Rare Disorders (CORD) in Canada,[5] Allianz Chronischer Seltener Erkrankungen (ACHSE) in Germany, and Federación Española de Enfermedades Raras (FEDER) in Spain.[2]