OTTAWA, February 29, 2024 – In anticipation of Rare Disease Day 2024, Research Canada partnered with the Honourable Senator Marie-Françoise Mégie to host Rare Diseases in Canada on Tuesday, February 27, a virtual panel event featuring five renowned experts representing various national health organizations, universities, and institutes across Canada.

This panel discussion, sponsored by Innovative Medicines Canada and the Stem Cell Network, brought together leading researchers, health innovation stakeholders, and policy makers to discuss challenges in the diagnosis and treatment of rare diseases, access to specialized care and therapies, funding for research and development, and strategies for improving patient support and advocacy.

“Sustained health research and innovation holds promise for improving patient outcomes and quality of life for the countless Canadians directly and indirectly affected by rare diseases,” said Alison Evans, Research Canada President and CEO. “This is a critical area of health research and innovation, and it was an honour to moderate this lively and important discussion.”

Thank you to all our generous event Sponsors, including Cystic Fibrosis Canada, AstraZeneca Canada, and BD Canada.

Research Canada Virtual Panel: Rare Diseases in Canada

Hosted by the Honourable Senator Marie-Françoise Mégie