What is a rare or orphan disease? This is how experts explain it.

So-called rare or orphan diseases affect only a few people worldwide. Their presentation is somewhat complex, and diagnosis can take several years, especially considering that treatments for them are not very effective. What do specialists say about these types of conditions?

According to information published on the Cleveland Clinic website, individuals with these types of illnesses recognize the unusual numbers and conditions associated with their health problems. They are also aware that it can be a somewhat exhausting process and therefore can have financial consequences for their families. For this reason, it is important to surround themselves with professionals and support groups during this process, who can maintain hope for a possible cure. (See more: Isabella Ladera revealed everything about the alleged leaked intimate video with Beéle.) So-called orphan diseases, on the other hand, are under-researched due to the costs involved in these studies. As the aforementioned organization noted, governments have recently been making efforts to study and consolidate medications that can treat them.

What were the conclusions obtained from LAZOS 2025?

In a statement delivered directly to Portafolio, AstraZeneca reported on the results of LAZOS 2025, a meeting of experts in orphan diseases attended by more than 200 national and international specialists from companies representing EPSs to address solutions considering the more than 84,000 people diagnosed in Colombia. (See more: Prosperidad Social announced which citizens will receive $225,000 during September 2025) In this regard, the arrival of a therapeutic alternative in the country was confirmed, which addresses lysosomal acid lipase deficiency (LAL-D), a condition that generates fat in some vital organs in these patients. Without a doubt, this innovation can help all people affected by LAL-D, who are beginning to perceive alternatives for the treatment of these types of diseases. In addition to this important announcement, specialized talks were offered at this event to discuss real clinical cases, with the participation of experts from different areas of the health sector.

What was the expert opinion on LAZOS 2025?

María Claudia Uribe, head of AstraZeneca's Rare Diseases Therapeutic Area (RDU), said: "It is urgent to strengthen collaboration between physicians, insurers, and health authorities so that medical advances truly reach those who need them," she noted. (See more: The Colombian city with the best quality of life in all of South America) "This advancement represents real hope for families who have waited years for an alternative treatment in Colombia. With this new option, we can offer earlier diagnoses and more equitable access to innovative therapies that transform the lives of patients with rare diseases," she emphasized.