Addressing the challenges faced by rare disease patients in obtaining timely diagnoses and effective treatments, the European Reference Networks (ERNs) are making significant strides. Holm Graessner, the Chair of ERN Coordinators, recently shared profound insights with the European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA) on how the ERNs are revolutionizing patient support across Europe.
Graessner shed light on the ERNs’ core mission: to bridge health disparities by enhancing access to diagnosis, treatment, and care for rare disease patients. By promoting a unified clinical network, the ERNs aim to combine expertise and resources to improve outcomes for patients.
The discussion also highlighted the ERNs’ achievements and the pivotal role of EU funding in these successes. Thanks to this support, the network has expanded its reach, growing from 900 participating centers at its inception in 2017 to over 1,600 today.
The interview offers a glimpse into the critical support ERN provides to people living with rare diseases. You can read the full interview here.