GlaxoSmithKline outlines rare disease research strategies

GlaxoSmithKline has detailed some of the measures it will be taking to ensure that its rare diseases business unit is able to address the needs of global patient populations.

Marc Dunoyer, global head of the business unit founded in February 2010, stated that GlaxoSmithKline Rare Diseases is to involve itself in all aspects of the company's drug development projects for uncommon conditions.

This will extend from the discovery stage through to commercialisation, with every scientist employed by GlaxoSmithKline set to assess the potential suitability of molecules or platform technologies to combat rare diseases.

Mr Dunoyer also emphasised the importance of refining the business unit's operational focus via the selection of around 200 priority diseases.

"For companies like GlaxoSmithKline to continue to make significant progress in developing new treatments to address rare diseases, it requires unique skills, commitment and most importantly a deep understanding of the conditions," he said.

This comes after the firm announced earlier this week that it will be working with Fondazione Telethon and Fondazione San Raffaele to create treatments for genetic disorders based on stem cell research.