RARECast: Making the Case That Rare Diseases are Fundamental

Nick Sireau’s efforts to find a cure for his children’s rare genetic disease alkaptonuria caused him to confront struggles faced by many people within the rare disease community as they seek to raise funds, foster research, and learn about running clinical trials and supporting patients. The experience led him to create Findacure, an organization that seeks to train, mentor, and empower patient groups. We spoke to Sireau, chairman of Findacure, about the organization, where it is focusing its efforts, and why he prefers the term “fundamental” diseases to “rare diseases.”

RARECast is a weekly series by Daniel S. Levine. Levine is an award-winning business journalist who has reported on the life sciences, economic development, and business policy issues throughout his 25-year career. He founded Levine Media Group in 2013, which produces The Bio Report and RARECast podcasts. Read his full bio here.