Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc., (Nasdaq: ALXN) has joined the National
Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) and the European Organization for
Rare Diseases (EURORDIS) in supporting the goals of the third annual
Rare Disease Day, February 28, 2010.
“To reduce the risk
of infection, all patients must be vaccinated at least 2 weeks prior to
receiving the first dose of Soliris and must be revaccinated according
to current medical guidelines for vaccine use.”
Rare Disease Day, established by EURORDIS in 2008, seeks to increase the
visibility of rare diseases, give hope and information to patients,
coordinate policy actions in different countries, and ensure equal
access to quality care and treatment. More information on Rare Disease
Day is available at www.rarediseaseday.org.
"Rare Disease Day enables the rare disease community to raise awareness
about the clinical needs and personal struggles faced by these patients
and families. Our goal is to highlight the importance of ongoing
therapeutic breakthroughs and explain the need to facilitate access to
medicines once they become available,” said Peter Saltonstall, President
of NORD.
This year’s Rare Disease Day theme, “Bridging Patients and Researchers,”
highlights the importance of collaboration between the clinical,
advocacy, and patient communities for the discovery and development of
rare disease treatments. Activities held worldwide marking this year’s
Rare Disease Day include educational events, podcasts and social
networking to help patients around the world to share their struggles,
stories and hopes for future treatments.