Belgian Deputy PM says a European Action Plan on Rare Diseases is essential Euractiv [Video]

By Euractiv’s Health Hub

Belgium is supporting the creation of a European action plan for rare diseases and is joining other EU member states adopting a national plan, Belgium’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health and Social Affairs, Frank Vandenbroucke, said.

Vandenbroucke spoke at the Rare Diseases Forum in Brussels, which called for a European plan similar to ‘Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan’.

With data showing the EU lagging behind the US and China in research and innovation expenditure, venture capital investment, and the number of clinical trials taking place in Europe, speakers raised concern about Europe’s ability to compete.

There are obvious benefits of scale by taking a more ambitious European-level approach. Rare diseases impact fewer than five in every 10,000 people. Cumulatively, there are more than 30 million people across Europe living with a rare disease. 

The European Parliament also enthusiastically supports more European action to tackle the problem. Last week it adopted an amendment to the pharmaceutical package calling for …