An estimated 6% of the population is afflicted with a rare disease, a number comprised of predominately children (80%). This means that in Israel alone, rare diseases may affect around half a million people and impact the lives of many more, including parents and siblings. The health of these individuals and their families is a major societal challenge for Israel, and it requires the development of personalized adapted medicines and treatment strategies. For this reason, we formed the Research Hub in Rare Diseases at Tel Aviv University in collaboration with the Sheba Medical Center’s Institute of Rare Diseases to address the challenges linked to the care of these patients and their families.  

With a strong network of researchers, clinicians and other partners, the Research Hub in Rare Diseases will have the potential to target user communities (including industry partners) and policymakers and thus better empower patients and parents.