Leading experts from across the rare disease community will convene at the Holiday Inn Kensington Forum, London, for SMi's 9th Annual Orphan Drugs & Rare Diseases Conference on October 15-16, 2019. The event aims to address pressing challenges in orphan drug development and patient access to treatments.
Advancing Patient Access and Treatment Value Assessment
The conference will tackle one of the most significant challenges in the orphan drug sector: ensuring swift and equitable patient access to new treatments. Key presentations will focus on early access programs, methodologies for assessing orphan drug value, and strategies to enhance dialogue between payers and manufacturers.
Representatives from notable organizations including NICE and Genetic Alliance UK will share insights on improving the pathway from drug development to patient treatment. The diverse speaker lineup ensures a comprehensive examination of access challenges from multiple stakeholder perspectives.
Patient-Centric Approach to Drug Development
Conference co-chair Rick Thompson, CEO of Findacure, emphasizes the central role of patient engagement throughout the program. "Rare disease patients are now widely recognized as the true experts in their field," Thompson notes. "We dedicate our time and resources to helping patient associations form, grow and professionalize, with the aim of delivering a strong patient voice and need into the heart of the orphan drug industry."
Collaborative Solutions and Industry Innovation
The two-day conference will showcase presentations from leading solution providers, biotechnology companies, clinical researchers, regulatory professionals, and charity leaders. Discussions will explore innovative approaches to accelerate orphan drug development, including the implementation of new technologies and products.
A pre-conference workshop day on October 17 will provide additional opportunities for in-depth exploration of specific topics in the field. Early bird registration discounts are available until June 28, offering a £300 reduction on standard rates.
Expert Perspectives and Networking
"It is my hope that this conference will help to inspire more collaborative projects in the rare disease field, which place patients at their heart," Thompson states. The event promises to facilitate valuable networking opportunities and knowledge exchange among professionals dedicated to advancing rare disease treatment options.
The conference stands as a crucial platform for addressing the complex challenges in orphan drug development and access, while fostering collaboration between industry stakeholders, patient advocates, and regulatory bodies.
