ABPI response to publication of England's Rare Diseases Action Plan 2026

The Department of Health has today published England's Rare Diseases Action Plan 2026, in advance of Rare Disease Day. 

Responding to the Plan, Richard Torbett, Chief Executive of the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI), said:
 
“For people living with a rare disease, progress too often comes slowly and unevenly. Official recognition that rare diseases are a health inequality is an important moment, because it reflects the real experiences of patients and families who face long waits for diagnosis, treatment and support.
 
“We were pleased to see this Action Plan for England include a strategy focused on fixing inequalities in access to treatments. By speeding up research and regulation, and having a national operational framework to standardise delivery of innovative and personalised therapies, it will help make sure new treatments are taken up equitably across the NHS. We now need to see the framework put into action as soon as possible.
 
“The pharmaceutical industry is deeply committed to rare disease patients, and ready to work in partnership with government, patients, and the NHS to help turn scientific advancements in rare disease into meaningful improvements in people’s lives.”