Sevilla hosts international congress on rare diseases and orphan drugs

The XI International Congress of Orphan Drugs and Rare Diseases has opened in Sevilla, bringing together over 250 participants, including patients, families, healthcare professionals, and researchers. Organized by the Spanish Federation of Rare Diseases (Feder), the event focuses on diagnosis, treatment, research, and improving the quality of life for those living with rare conditions.

During the inauguration at the Fundación Cajasol, Feder President Juan Carrión emphasized the need for patients to move beyond being mere recipients of healthcare decisions to becoming active participants in the decision-making process. He highlighted three central pillars for the debate: access, equity, and information. The congress, which originated in Sevilla in 2000 through the Seville College of Pharmacists, continues its historical link to the city as Feder takes over the primary organization of the meeting.