Pfizer Supports Patients Affected by Rare Diseases

Feb. 28 marks the sixth international Rare Disease Day, and Pfizer is joining the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD), the European Organization for Rare Diseases (EURORDIS) and a coalition of patient organizations, professional societies, government agencies, medical researchers and biopharmaceutical companies to raise awareness of rare diseases and their impact on patients and caregivers across the globe.

For the more than 350 million people worldwide living with a rare disease, being diagnosed is often devastating, and can mark entry into a realm with a lack of treatment, research, information and hope, as only 5 percent of the estimated 6,000 - 8,000 rare diseases have approved treatments available.

Pfizer believes that patients suffering from rare diseases deserve the same access to medicines as those suffering from more common conditions, and — within the company's target therapeutic areas — is working with scientific and patient communities to try and help speed the delivery of urgently needed medicines and other vital support to patients in need.

With more than a decade of experience in rare disease product development, and 22 medicines approved worldwide to treat rare diseases in the areas of hematology, neuroscience, inherited metabolic disorders, pulmonology, and oncology, Pfizer is uniquely positioned to use its global resources to help educate on the challenges of living with a rare disease and the high unmet need for treatments. On Rare Disease Day and beyond, the company will continue its efforts on behalf of patients affected by these serious conditions.

Pfizer is dedicated to creating a healthier world for all patients, but there are few areas where the impact of the company's work is more important, or more evident, than in rare diseases, where treatment options are few and far between. Pfizer applauds NORD, EURORDIS and other patient organizations around the world that are providing resources and support for patients affected by these devastating illnesses, and is proud to participate in Rare Disease Day.

For more information about NORD, visit http://www.rarediseaseday.org/.