Rare Diseases
At JCR, rare diseases are a core focus of our research and development. We advance new therapies while supporting awareness initiatives that strengthen understanding and support for those affected.
RARE DISEASE Project
The RARE DISEASE Project is a cross-functional internal initiative built around a simple idea what JCR can do for rare diseases.
Employees join voluntarily and serve rotating two-year terms. The project promotes understanding across the company by sharing information, collaborating with patient and support organizations, and encouraging participation in awareness activities.
Internal initiatives include: Wearing official Rare Disease Day (RDD) badges and organizing fundraising efforts, Supporting global awareness initiatives for MPS Awareness Day, Hosting learning sessions featuring and Sharing reports from patient and support group events.
Recent Initiatives
Project members created original T-shirts and caps to promote both employee well-being and rare disease awareness. Many employees wear them at community sporting events, extending awareness beyond the workplace. Since FY2024, employees have participated in Relay For Life Ashiya, a 24-hour charity event supporting those facing illness.
JCR also joins community events for children and families, offering storytelling and quizzes to help younger audiences better understand rare diseases.
Rare Disease Day (RDD)
JCR has supported Rare Disease Day since 2015.
Rare diseases affect millions of people worldwide, yet small patient populations and complex biology often limit progress in research, diagnosis, and treatment.
Launched in Europe in 2008, RDD seeks to improve quality of life through better diagnosis and treatment. It also serves as an important opportunity to connect patients and society, helping bring rare diseases into clearer focus.
In 2024, Hiroyuki Sonoda, President and younger employees spoke at an RDD Tokyo sponsor session on what a pharmaceutical company can do for rare diseases, from drug discovery to its commitment to patients. In May 2025, JCR participated in an RDD collaboration event at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, where patients, families, support organizations, companies, and student advocates gathered to consider both the current realities and future possibilities for rare diseases. In the final session, Hiroyuki shared a message of encouragement with students tackling social challenges related to rare diseases.
Rare Disease Awareness Initiatives
More than 300 million people worldwide are estimated to be living with rare diseases, and many still lack access to appropriate treatment or support. JCR works to raise awareness of this reality through sustained initiatives and community engagement.
Within the company, we host speaker sessions two to three times a year, inviting patients and family members to share their experiences and help employees better understand real-world needs.
Beyond the company, we participate in community and educational events, share insights internally, and engage children and families through accessible activities that promote understanding of rare diseases.
We also support patient organizations through fundraising and charity initiatives.
In addition, professional golfers and tennis players who partner with JCR help expand awareness by distributing informational materials and competing in apparel featuring the RDD mark at tournaments in Japan and abroad.
Through these efforts, we aim to strengthen broader support systems addressing unmet medical needs.