In recognition of Rare Disease Day, University of Minnesota's Dr. Reena Kartha recently opened up about the often-overlooked world of rare diseases, their complexities, and the pivotal research being conducted at the University to better understand and treat these conditions. Representing the College of Pharmacy, Dr. Kartha provided insight into the definition of rare diseases, noting that they affect fewer than 200,000 people in the United States and including examples like cystic fibrosis and muscular dystrophy, she detailed the immense challenges those diagnosed face in terms of obtaining proper care and treatment. Dr. Kartha stated, "More than 80% of rare diseases have a genetic cause," and emphasized the crucial need for enhanced research and clinical trials to develop new treatments.
Discordant with the much-needed attentions healthcare for individuals living with rare diseases is often hampered by delayed diagnoses difficulties in finding specialized care, and a lack of FDA-approved therapies, Dr. Kartha emphasized the limitations faced, saying, "Over 90% of rare diseases lack FDA-approved therapies," which leads to a reliance on expensive, sometimes experimental treatments and significant insurance hurdles, considering that treatment costs can escalate to hundreds of thousands of dollars. According to a recent study highlighted by Dr. Kartha, the aggregate costs of rare diseases in the U.S. hit the economy hard, affecting not just the healthcare system but also productivity and the wellbeing of families that are often left isolated by their complex medical journeys.
Dr. Kartha illustrated why raising awareness about rare diseases isn't just a nicety but a necessity, given the profound impact these diseases have on society as a whole - costing the nation both economically and emotionally. In an attempt to tackle this head-on, Dr. Kartha's research zeroes in on inherited metabolic diseases and explores potential treatments that may offer broader insights, potentially benefiting the understanding and management of more common diseases. "My team is developing treatments aimed at targeting these processes, which are common across rare diseases," Dr. Kartha told the University of Minnesota publication.
Moreover, to foster a new generation of health professionals equipped to deal with the intricacies of rare diseases, Dr. Kartha is at the helm of an innovative undergraduate course on rare diseases, which she refers to as "a first-of-its-kind," laying the groundwork for future healthcare changemakers to understand, and ideally, to ameliorate the plights faced by patients suffering from these conditions. Dr. Kartha added "I aim to engage students in real-world public health challenges," Dr. Kartha is also an integral part of the University's Center for Orphan Drug Research, which strives for advancements in therapies and biomarkers for rare diseases, solidifying the University of Minnesota's role at the vanguard of rare disease research.
For more than a century, the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy has been pivotal in advancing medical education and research - boasting of distinctive programs including its medical laboratory science and occupational therapy. The integration of such programs signals the university's enduring commitment to tackling diverse health needs and nurturing the potential for future innovations in the healthcare landscape of Minnesota and beyond.
