Dear delegates,
In light of the latest developments and as a precautionary measure, the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU 2026 has decided to postpone this week’s Presidency Conference Advancement of Treatments for Rare Diseases, scheduled to take place in Cyprus 5–6 March 2026.
Further information regarding possible re-arrangement and new dates will be communicated in due course.
We apologise for the inconvenience caused by these adjustments and thank you for your understanding.
Yours sincerely,
The Organizing Committee
Conference “Advancement of Treatments for Rare Diseases”
Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2026
Advancement of Treatments for Rare Diseases
The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics and the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, are organising the conference “Advancement of Treatments for Rare Diseases” on 5-6 March 2026, at the Amphitheater, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics Nicosia, Cyprus. Rare Diseases affect approximately 30 million people across the European Union and present unique challenges due to their complexity, rarity, and limited treatment options. Advancing research, improving access to innovative therapies, and strengthening collaboration across Europe are essential to improving outcomes for patients and their families.
The two-day event will highlight the EU’s ambition to make Europe a global leader in life sciences by 2030 and will focus on translating research and policy initiatives into tangible benefits for Rare Disease patients through better prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
THE CONFERENCE
The Conference will feature the following key themes:
- Strengthening EU Collaboration for Rare Diseases
- Advancing Research, Innovation & Therapeutic Development
- Improving Regulatory Frameworks for Orphan Drugs
- Ensuring Accessibility, Equity & Patient-Centred Care
- Enhancing Data Infrastructure, Security & Digital Innovation
WHO WILL ATTEND
The target audience includes government ministries and public authorities; healthcare providers and clinical experts; researchers and the scientific community; representatives from the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry; patient organisations and advocacy groups; data, digital health, and technology specialists; health economics, ethics, and legal experts; European funding bodies and research agencies; NGOs; and other high-level multi-stakeholder representatives.
Speakers
Programme
Day 1
(pre-recorded video)
Session 1: Current landscape and unmet needs in rare diseases
Session 2: A framework for developing rationally-designed therapies for rare diseases
Session 3: Drug discovery, development and repurposing in rare diseases
Day 2
Session 4: Becoming trial-ready for rare diseases therapies
Session 5: Rollout of efficacious therapies: access and infrastructure considerations
The role of The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics in caring for patients with rare diseases: clinical excellence and research innovation