With more than 30 million Americans – or one person in 10 nationwide - affected by a rare disease, Lundbeck recognizes the tremendous need for scientific research and support for affected individuals and families. Currently there are more than 7,000 rare diseases, but only about 200 have a therapy approved.

Raise Your Hand is Lundbeck’s web-based awareness initiative that generates support for people with rare diseases during the month of February. The campaign was born of a partnership with the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD), the U.S. sponsor of Rare Disease Day, held annually on the last day of February.

The campaign invites individuals to visit www.rarediseaseday.us and click on the “Raise Your Hand” icon during the month of February. Each unique click triggers Lundbeck to make a $1 donation to NORD’s general rare disease research fund. Participants employ social media to spread awareness of the campaign.

In 2010, the 4,000 clicks secured a significant donation to support a NORD grant for research on stiff-person syndrome, a rare acquired neurological disorder that can cause fluctuating muscle rigidity in the trunk and limbs and a heightened sensitivity to stimuli such as noise, touch and emotional distress, which can set off muscle spasms.
 
With the growing popularity of social media and Rare Disease Day, the 2011 campaign attracted more than 11,000 clicks. NORD is still evaluating what research request will be supported by Lundbeck’s Raise Your Hand donation.

Having brought three products for rare diseases to market since the end of 2008, Lundbeck has come to understand the challenges faced by the rare disease community, where a simple diagnosis can take years and treatment options are often limited. We are proud to continue our partnership with NORD in support of the organization’s efforts.

Lundbeck employees support Rare Disease Day 2011 by raising their hands in the office.