News
Highlights from Rare Disease Day 2025
March 14, 2025
The Oxford-Harrington Rare Disease Centre (OHC) marked Rare Disease Day 2025 with a series of initiatives to raise awareness and advocate for change on behalf of the more than 400 million people worldwide living with a rare disease.
OHC Joins the Global Chain of Lights
This year, the OHC illuminated Magdalen College Chapel, University of Oxford, in Rare Disease Day colours. This display formed part of the 'Global Chain of Lights' initiative, a worldwide effort to shine a light on rare diseases and the challenges patients face.
OHC Launches Its Official Video
We are proud to share the official video of the Oxford-Harrington Rare Disease Centre, which highlights our mission to accelerate new treatments for rare diseases. Watch the video to see how we are turning research into real solutions for patients.
Strategy& Insider Podcast Episode with Prof Matthew Wood
The newest Strategy& Insider podcast episode features Prof Matthew Wood, Director and Chief Scientific Officer of the OHC, who highlights the transformative role of genome technologies in diagnosing rare diseases. Find out how rapid and accurate diagnoses, coupled with effective therapeutic approaches, are paving the way for early intervention and treatment.
The Transatlantic Partnership Advancing Breakthrough Science into Innovative Treatments for Rare Diseases
In this exclusive RARE Revolution Magazine feature, Prof Matthew Wood shares insights on the Centre's ambitious vision to deliver 40 new medicines in 10 years. Learn about groundbreaking projects like inhaled gene therapy for a rare respiratory disease, the global collaboration driving this effort, and how the OHC is putting patients at the heart of its mission.
What Does 2025 Hold for Biopharma? Part 6: Therapeutic Area Advances
Over 140 biopharma leaders share their views on developments to watch for in key therapeutic areas this year. Advances in multiple scientific fields are opening up new avenues for treatment. Prof Matthew Wood comments on how genetic therapies can be scaled across multiple diseases in parallel.
In Search of Rare Disease Treatments, Nonprofits Can Lead the Charge
A major bottleneck in rare disease drug development is the “valley of death” - the preclinical phase where academic research often stalls due to lack of funding. Nonprofits, like the OHC, are finding new ways to bridge this gap and develop treatments for rare diseases, explains Prof Matthew Wood.