France's Telethon is a major event for the LEEM

The French drug industry association (LEEM) has highlighted the sector's efforts in the search for treatments for rare diseases, on the occasion of the 21st Telethon on French television. The three-day televised fundraising events include a number of initiatives that are supported by the LEEM and its corporate members. Since 2002, the group has incorporated the issue into its strategic action plan. A working party on rare diseases brings together patient associations, health professionals, public and private organizations as well as businesses.

The LEEM also notes that its efforts are not confined to the high-profile event. One of the group's projects is a partnership with the Orphanet to assemble an international reference source for orphan drugs, as well as the core reference point for development opportunities in the areas of rare disease diagnosis and therapy.