title: Rare diseases research in China: Opportunities, challenges, and solutions.
abstract: Rare diseases research in China can be traced back to the 1980s. Currently, control of rare diseases has become a national concern. This paper describes developments concerning rare diseases in China with regard to epidemiology, case registration, basic research, establishment of medical networks, and orphan drugs. A national program for rare disease research is being implemented in China to promote international cooperation in the future.
authors.affiliation: Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Shandong Medical Biotechnological Center, Key Laboratory for Rare Disease Research of Shandong Province, and Key Laboratory for Biotech Drugs of the Ministry of Health, Ji'nan, Shandong, China.
authors.forename: Jinxiang
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Han
authors.affiliation: Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Shandong Medical Biotechnological Center, Key Laboratory for Rare Disease Research of Shandong Province, and Key Laboratory for Biotech Drugs of the Ministry of Health, Ji'nan, Shandong, China.
authors.forename: Yazhou
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Cui
authors.affiliation: Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Shandong Medical Biotechnological Center, Key Laboratory for Rare Disease Research of Shandong Province, and Key Laboratory for Biotech Drugs of the Ministry of Health, Ji'nan, Shandong, China.
authors.forename: Xiaoyan
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Zhou
keywords: China; Rare disease; development; epidemiology