Greetings from Manipal,
The prevalence and complexity of rare diseases present unique challenges for researchers, clinicians, and patients worldwide. India, a country with a population of over 1.3 billion, faces unique challenges in the realm of rare diseases. Despite their low prevalence individually, the collective burden of rare diseases is significant, affecting millions of individuals and their families. The need for advanced research, diagnostics, treatment options, and patient care is undeniable.
Model systems to study rare diseases can improve our understanding of disease biology, leading to the development of new diagnostic tools and biomarkers that help in early detection and intervention. Research into rare diseases can also help to address healthcare disparities and promote equitable access to healthcare and thus help reduce this burden through improved treatment options and access to care.
The Center for Rare Disease Diagnosis, Research, and Training is a DBT/Wellcome Trust India Alliance-funded Clinical Research Centre. It is a collaborative effort of three participating centers viz. Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Institute of Bioinformatics, Bangalore, and Dr Reddy’s Institute of Life Sciences, Hyderabad, and aims to bring together the collective expertise, resources, and dedication of these institutions, to advance rare disease understanding, diagnosis, and treatment, and promote training of physician-scientists.
Manipal Genetics Updates are international events organized by the Department of medical genetics periodically to showcase the latest developments in niche areas of medical genetics. The proposed seventh edition of this event is geared towards basic and clinician scientists involved in rare disease research with a focus on various cellular and animal systems to model the pathophysiology of rare diseases. The aim of this conference is to offer a common platform for various stakeholders involved in rare disease diagnosis, research, and management to collaborate, network, and exchange unique knowledge. The conference would provide unprecedented access to rare disease research in India and around the world and add to the momentum generated in alleviating rare diseases.