United in Our Mission to Deliver Cures for Rare Diseases
The Oxford-Harrington Rare Disease Centre (OHC) aims to deliver new treatments for the nearly half a billion people affected by rare diseases worldwide, with an initial goal of advancing 40 new medicines for rare diseases into clinical development by 2034.
Who We Are and What We Do
At Oxford-Harrington, we are united by a single mission: to accelerate the discovery and development of new medicines for patients and families living with rare diseases.
The OHC is a unique partnership between the University of Oxford in the UK and Harrington Discovery Institute at University Hospitals in Cleveland, Ohio (US). Together, we bring together world-leading expertise to drive innovation in rare disease drug development.
At the OHC, we bridge the gap between cutting-edge academic research and the development of life-changing medicines. Together, we are creating a future where rare diseases are no longer neglected—and where patients and families have new, effective treatments to look forward to.
OHC Featured in RARE Revolution Magazine
Discover how the Oxford-Harrington Rare Disease Centre is revolutionising 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.
Rare Disease Day 2025
Rare Disease Day, observed every year on the last day of February, is a powerful global movement that shines a light on the more than 400 million people worldwide living with a rare disease. It is a day to raise awareness, advocate for change, and unite the global community in the mission for better healthcare, access to diagnosis, and life-saving therapies for rare disease patients and their families.
Since its inception in 2008, Rare Disease Day has played a pivotal role in creating a diverse and united international community of patients, caregivers, and researchers, all working towards the common goal of improving lives and advancing science. The day serves as a focal point for advocacy, helping to drive progress locally, nationally, and internationally.
As we count down to Rare Disease Day 2025, we invite you to join us in advancing awareness, building connections, and, most importantly, transforming lives.
Transforming Discoveries into Medicines for Rare Diseases
At the OHC, we support physician-scientists in turning their discoveries into real-world solutions. Learn more about the inspiring research projects we’re funding and the scholars driving this transformative work.
David Cameron
OHC Advisory Council Chair
Nicola Blackwood
OHC Advisory Council Member
Bowen Li, PhD
OHC Scholar
Charles Gersbach, PhD
OHC Scholar
Timothy Yu, MD, PhD
OHC Scholar
Discover More Ways to Get Involved