February 29, 2024 is the 17th International Day of Rare Diseases. At present, there are over 7000 rare diseases known worldwide, with over 350 million rare disease patients worldwide. In China, the number of rare disease patients exceeds 20 million. The theme of this year's International Rare Diseases Day is "Pay attention to rarity, light up the light of life, help the weak, and practice putting people first".

Behind these seemingly cute names, such as "Porcelain Doll," "Marionette Man," and "Star Child," lies the immense pain of a rare disease family. About 80% of rare diseases are caused by genetic defects, with half of rare disease patients developing symptoms at birth or childhood. However, only 5% of rare diseases have approved treatment methods. For a long time, rare disease populations have faced difficulties in diagnosis, treatment, drug development, and low social attention.

Let "Rarity" Be Seen

In 2017, the 7 microRNA test kit (miRNA7^TM) developed by the extrahepatic team of Zhongshan Hospital, led by Academician Fan Jia and Professor Zhou Jian, were successfully transformed into the world's first miRNA liver cancer detection in vitro diagnostic product and obtained the national Class III medical device registration certificate. At present, miRNA7^TM has been included in the National Health Commission's 2022 and 2024 versions of the "Diagnosis and Treatment Guidelines for Primary Liver Cancer" (Evidence Level 1, Recommendation A), and is being promoted and applied in clinical practice in tertiary hospitals nationwide. This is one of the important achievements of Zhongshan Hospital and Dunwill Medical in exploring a new cooperation model of "Medical-R&D-Manufacturer" .

“Founded in 2006, Dunwill Medical is a world's leading research-based IVD company focused on the discovery, development, and commercialization of innovative original biomarker. Based on our insight of systems biology and multi-omics technology, we work with clinical experts on the development mechanism of complex diseases from the "spatial and temporal dimension" and develop original clinical IVD products with own independent intellectual property rights. "Pea Sir" was founded in 2016 as a public welfare platform for genetics and rare diseases, dedicated to scientific communication, ability training, industry linkage, and public welfare advocacy in the field of rare diseases.

To support the promotion of rare diseases, Dunwill Medical has launched the Rare Disease Popularization Charity Project since 2018. At today's "Hanlan Action, Zhongshan Escort" 2024 International Rare Disease Day special event, Dunwill Medical donated a special fund to "Pea Sir" again, which will be used for rare disease popular science propaganda and public welfare promotion. We are committed to helping more rare disease patients, so that every "born extraordinary" life can be seen, understood, respected, and receive better treatment and care. Mr. Wang Zhen, Executive Director of Dunwill Medical Operations Support Center, went on to the stage as the company representative to grant a donation check to Ms. Chen Yiwei, founder of Pea Sir. Meanwhile, Pea Sir presented the "Charity Partner" cup to Dunwill Medical.

Every rare disease patient should receive treatment and a high-quality life, which is our common goal. We believe that with the joint attention and efforts of the whole society towards the rare disease group, it will definitely bring more brightness and hope to their future. Once in four years, more cherished than usual. Let's pay attention to the rarity group and help light up their life together!