Rare Disease Research: The National Institutes of Health Supports Science that Saves Lives

March 9, 2017 | Noon – 1:30 PM

Longworth House Office Building, Room 1310
In cooperation with Congressmen Scott Peters (CA-52) and Leonard Lance (NJ-7) Lunch provided

Rare diseases, also known as orphan diseases, are those where fewer than 200,000 people have the condition. Collectively, however, rare diseases afflict approximately 25 million people in the United States. There are no market incentives for developing cures because each disease affects such a small population. Thus, public funding plays a crucial role in better understanding these disorders. In recent years, breakthroughs in genetics, biochemistry, and other basic science disciplines funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have begun to improve our ability to diagnose and treat these debilitating conditions. The briefing will feature a panel of speakers who work on finding cures for rare disorders and will highlight how the NIH’s investment in basic research is critical to advancing the health of the nation.
Speakers:
Hudson Freeze, PhD, FASEB President and Director, Human Genetics Program, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute
Hilary Vernon, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Cristina Casanova Might, Founder & Executive Director, NGLY1.org
Hosted by:

Please RSVP by March 6, 2017 to Benjamin Krinsky at [email protected] or call the FASEB Office of Public Affairs for more information at (301) 634-7650
This is a widely attended event
www.faseb.org