Rare Disease
We provide expert, personalized guidance and operational support to ultra-rare disease foundations at every stage of development
The Rare Disease Advising Program supports family-led, research-focused organizations in ultra-rare, genetically defined diseases via scientific consulting services that help close the knowledge gap in PAG-led research programs.
14 Months to Treatment: Breaking Records in Rare Disease Therapy
RTW Foundation partnered with Elly's Team to help achieve one of the fastest gene therapy developments in history. Founded by Michelle and Dan Krueger—parents of Elly, who was diagnosed with NEDAMSS—the family connected with our Rare Disease Advisory team in March 2024. Just a year later, Elly became the first child to receive an IRF2BPL gene replacement therapy. Watch RTW Foundation President, Stephanie Sirota’s conversation with Michelle Krueger about Elly’s extraordinary journey from diagnosis to treatment.
Advancing Research Through Global Partnerships
With thousands of rare diseases lacking therapies, we work alongside scientists, families, and foundations worldwide to accelerate progress toward effective treatments.
University of Sydney and Lachie’s Wish 4 CS drives rare disease research, expands educational resources, and raises awareness of ultrarare diseases like Christianson Syndrome.
MEK2 Research Foundation, NBIA Alliance, AGO Alliance Poland, Persona Foundation (L1CAM), EIF3F Research Foundation, and Cure HSPB8 work together to advance patient support, medical research, and community resources for families affected by rare neurological and genetic conditions.
v-ATPase Alliance provides coordination, advocacy, and raises funds for research and treatment of genetic v-ATPase rare diseases for patients and families.
Elly’s Team, RARE Hope, Malan Syndrome Foundation, For Henry AHC, and many of our US partners advance rare disease research, patient advocacy, care access, and family support across multiple communities nationwide.
Funding for drug-discovery projects on ultrarare diseases
Our current funding priority focuses on drug-discovery projects on diseases that affect fewer than 1000 people worldwide and for which no commercial drug-development program exists. RTW Foundation aims to fund proposals co-developed by rare disease foundations and the Rare Disease Advisors that meaningfully accelerate research in a rare disease. Grant cycles take place in February and August. Find out how your foundation could be eligible for these grants.
Research & Rare Disease Advisory Stats
Foundations