Policymakers need to start addressing the problem of rare diseases more seriously to help people suffering from them, says a locally based representative of one of largest pharmaceutical companies in Japan.
Rare diseases often take a long time to be diagnosed, require long-term medical treatment, and generally pose a challenge to public health systems, said Peter Streibl, general manager of Takeda Thailand.
The drugs firm is one of the key partners in the first-ever Southeast Asia Rare Disease Summit taking place in Thailand on Thursday. Mr Steibl will be among the line-up of speakers.
However, patients frequently have to contend with limited or even substandard medical treatment, he said, adding that more investment in medicines is required.
“This meeting will be a significant step to improve the situation,” he said. “We…
