Blackswan Foundation

blackswan foundation is a swiss foundation in support of research for rare and orphan diseases. although switzerland is at the forefront of research, there is no current political structure in favor of rare and orphan diseases. an orphan disease is a disorder devoid of any extensive research efforts or pharmaceutical interest. these disorders are typically unknown by the general public and disregarded by large sources of industry, public or foundation funding. although these disorders are considered “rare”, it is estimated that 500,000 patients are affected by orphan diseases in switzerland—in other words, 7% of the national population. in europe, it is estimated that 35 million people are affected.