Supporting Alexion in identifying innovative solutions for rare diseases

The goal is to find innovative solutions for the atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome.

Rare Hack for New Ideas is the hackathon we have launched with Alexion Pharma Italy Srl, AstraZeneca's dedicated rare disease unit, to address unmet needs for the ultra-rare disease atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS).

This syndrome is a genetic, chronic, ultra-rare disease that can cause progressive injury to vital organs, primarily the kidneys. It necessarily requires early intervention because, in the absence of a specific therapy, within one month after onset, 46% of adults and 17% of children reach end-stage renal disease or die.

The call for ideas is open until 19 January 2022 to startups and university students who wish to contribute to these challenges:

• help medical personnel to identify the symptoms in a more timely manner;
• create an efficient network between large and small medical centres, specialised and non-specialised doctors.

Among the applications, we will select the 4 most innovative projects, which will participate in a virtual hackathon on Rare Disease Day 2022.

A winning team will be announced for each challenge and receive a €15,000 prize.