What is a Rare Disease?

According to Global Genes, a disease is defined as rare when it affects less than 200,000 people.

Rare Diseases affect 30 million Americans, or 1 in 10 people, and 350 million people worldwide
If all of the people with Rare Diseases lived in one country, it would be the world’s 3rd most populous country
Rare Diseases affect more people than AIDS and Cancer COMBINED
95% of Rare Diseases do not have a single FDA approved drug treatment and there are no cures
Approximately 50% of rare diseases do not have a disease specific foundation supporting or researching their rare disease

According to Eudrodis,

Lack of scientific knowledge and reliable information around rare diseases
Common symptoms hide underlying rare diseases, leading to misdiagnosis and delaying treatment
Massive social and financial burdens
No existing effective cures adds to high level of pain and suffering endured by patients and their families
Rare Diseases often significantly affects a patient's quality of life