The Hope for Rare Foundation was founded in Hangzhou, China in 2022 by Mr. Rufang (Kevin) HUANG in partnership with 11 well-known scientists and entrepreneurs. It is the first non-profit foundation in China to focus on rare disease research and translational medicine. Our vision is to address the medical needs of patients with rare diseases through leveraging resources and guiding innovative technology to advance the development of both basic and translational clinical research.

The characters, “Rui Ou” are derived from the pronunciation of “Rare”. It symbolizes the propitious and powerful spirit of the seagull, the emblem of the Foundation.

There are more than 7,000 rare diseases. Unfortunately, there are only 600 approved therapeutic medications available worldwide, which treat a mere 6% of rare disease. Almost none of those orphan drugs were independently discovered, developed, and approved by China. Patient groups and foundations drive one third of the early research into orphan drugs. As the first Chinese foundation dedicated to rare disease research and translational medicine, the Hope for Rare Disease Foundation with our partners aim to enhance investments in basic and translational clinical research to advance the care and cure for patients with rare diseases around the world.