Lundbeck launches web-based initiative to support people with rare diseases

In support of Rare Disease Day 2010, set for February 28, Lundbeck Inc. today launched the Raise Your Hand to Fight Rare Diseases campaign. The web-based initiative is designed to generate support for people with rare diseases and is being conducted in partnership with the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD), the sponsor of Rare Disease Day in the United States.

“Having brought three products for rare diseases to market since the end of 2008, we have come to appreciate the challenges faced by the rare disease community, where a simple diagnosis can take years and treatment options are often limited.”

Individuals simply click the ‘Raise Your Hand’ icon posted on the Rare Disease Day 2010 website (www.rarediseaseday.us) and can also spread the word through social networking sites, including Facebook and Twitter. For people who click the icon during February, Lundbeck will make a donation to a general fund managed by NORD that is used to support rare disease research. The site also offers stories from people with rare diseases and additional suggestions regarding how individuals can support the rare disease community.

“Approximately 30 million Americans, or nearly one in 10 individuals nationwide, are affected by a rare disease,” noted Peter L. Saltonstall, NORD president and CEO. “One of the themes of Rare Disease Day this year is the need for more research on rare diseases. Our goal is to draw attention to this need and the unique challenges faced by individuals and families affected by these diseases. We applaud this innovative way to support rare disease research.”

“We are proud to help NORD motivate people to support rare disease research and awareness,” said Sean Nolan, president of Lundbeck Inc. “Having brought three products for rare diseases to market since the end of 2008, we have come to appreciate the challenges faced by the rare disease community, where a simple diagnosis can take years and treatment options are often limited.”