David Cameron leads Oxford initiative for rare diseases, 2024

In October 2024, the Oxford-Harrington Rare Disease Centre (OHC) announced the appointment of David Cameron, former UK Prime Minister, as Chair of its Advisory Council. This partnership between the University of Oxford and the Harrington Discovery Institute aims to develop 40 new therapies for rare diseases over the next decade. Cameron's personal experience with rare diseases, particularly the loss of his son Ivan, drives his commitment to this cause. He previously initiated the 100,000 Genomes Project to enhance research and treatment for rare diseases in the UK. The OHC aims to leverage Cameron's leadership and the expertise of its advisory council members to raise global awareness and foster collaborations in rare disease research. With over 400 million people affected by rare diseases worldwide, the OHC's mission is crucial in addressing the unmet medical needs of these patients, many of whom are children. The center combines the strengths of its founding institutions to push forward innovative solutions and improve clinical outcomes for those suffering from rare conditions.