NOVATO, Calif., Feb. 29, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Raptor Pharmaceutical Corp. (Nasdaq:RPTP) today announced its support of Rare Disease Week, beginning February 29, 2016, with a series of activities and events that will celebrate advancements in the field of rare and orphan diseases and support and strengthen patient communities. The company joins Rare Diseases Europe (EURORDIS), the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD), Global Genes and the Canadian Organization for Rare Disorders (CORD) to observe this year’s theme of “Patient Voice - Join Us in Making the Voice of Rare Diseases Heard,” which recognizes the millions of people whose lives are impacted each day by a rare disease. Raptor is also proud to be a corporate sponsor of Rare Disease Legislative Advocates’ Rare Disease Week events in Washington, D.C.
“We are excited to participate in this global celebration of individuals living with a rare disease and to help increase awareness that rare diseases are a significant public health priority,” said Julie Anne Smith, Raptor’s President and CEO. “Raptor is committed to developing innovative medicines and advocating for legislation that supports equal access to treatment and care for people with rare diseases.”
During the week of February 29, Raptor will sponsor and participate in several Rare Disease Week activities around the world to pledge its support for those with rare diseases, including:
- Rare Disease Legislative Advocates (RDLA) “Rare Disease Week on Capitol Hill” from February 29 - March 3 in Washington, D.C.;
- Rare Disease Day activities for the National Organization for Rare Disorders, the Canadian Organization for Rare Disorders, and corporate sponsor for the EURORDIS Black Pearl Gala in Brussels;
- Rare Disease Day activities partnered with the Boomer Esaison Foundation;
- Congressional Rare Disease Caucus Briefing on March 3.
About Raptor Pharmaceutical
Raptor Pharmaceutical Corp. is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of transformative therapeutics for rare, debilitating and often fatal diseases. With its recent acquisition of QUINSAIR, Raptor plans to develop MP-376, the pharmaceutical product known commercially as QUINSAIR, in cystic fibrosis and intends to pursue clinical programs in 2016 in bronchiectasis not associated with cystic fibrosis and to do work in preparation to support further clinical development in lung infections associated with nontuberculous mycobacteria. In addition, Raptor is developing RP103, known commercially as PROCYSBI, in multiple therapeutic areas such as nephropathic cystinosis and Huntington's and mitochondrial diseases including Leigh syndrome. Raptor holds several orphan drug designations, including orphan drug exclusivity for nephropathic cystinosis in the U.S. and EU. For additional information, please visit www.raptorpharma.com.