ALISO VIEJO, California and PRINCETON, New Jersey, Feb. 12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Global Genes | RARE Project and Idis are pleased to announce the addition of Natalie Douglas, CEO of Idis, to the Global Genes | RARE Project Board of Directors.  

Throughout her career and now as CEO of Idis, Douglas has pursued the cause for providing access to medicines for patients with unmet medical needs.   Her experience in the pharmaceutical industry introduced her to the therapeutic challenges for physicians in managing the unmet medical needs of patients including those with cancer and AIDS.

As an organization, Idis reflects the deep commitment and compassion embodied by Douglas for patients in the rare disease community.   In 2012 alone, Idis helped more than 720,000 patients, including many with rare diseases, gain access to critical therapies.  The results-driven mindset of the organization has helped patients gain access even in the most challenging situations.

Recognizing the complex nature of addressing unmet medical needs, Douglas is a passionate advocate for creating more meaningful, productive connections between industry, regulatory authorities, and the patient advocacy community to identify and remove barriers to access. 

"We are honored to have Natalie join our Board of Directors; her passion and commitment to rare disease and its community is more than evident in all she does both personally and professionally.  She will bring tremendous value and insights to the organization as it works to create a larger impact globally," stated Nicole Boice, Founder/President Global Genes | RARE Project.

"Addressing the unmet medical needs in the rare disease community is especially challenging," noted Douglas.  "The Global Genes | RARE Project has created a much needed voice for these patients and their families.  I am delighted to join the board of an organization that has made such an impact for an underserved population and look forward to contributing to their important mission." 

The addition of Ms. Douglas to the Board of Directors will be the first of many announcements this year from Global Genes | RARE Project, as the organization works to secure additional board members that bring important expertise to this growing organization.

"Our organization is entering an important period of growth, expectations have increased, and Global Genes | RARE Project wants to ensure that it continues to deliver increased value to those whom we serve - the rare disease patient advocacy community," stated Boice.   

About Global Genes | RARE Project
Global Genes | RARE Project is a leading global rare and genetic disease patient advocacy organization.  Global Genes | RARE Project works to build and unify a global rare and genetic disease community and positively impact patients in their lifetime by offering programs designed to educate, empower, and support patients, advocates, foundations, and other rare disease focused organizations. www.globalgenes.org 

About Idis
Idis has 25 years experience of partnering with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to create regulatory-compliant, ethical access to medicines for healthcare professionals and their patients with unmet medical needs. Since 1987, Idis has developed and managed access to thousands of medicines from every therapeutic category, impacting the lives of hundreds of thousands of patients in countries around the world.  Idis leverages decades of experience, regulatory insight, and a thorough understanding of local and global requirements to create access to medicines at every stage of a product's lifecycle from pre-approval to market exit, and in times of unexpected production shortages.  The company's international headquarters are located in Weybridge, United Kingdom, and North American headquarters are located in Princeton, NJ. For more information, visit www.idispharma.com.

Contacts:  
Global Genes | RARE Project
Carrie Ostrea
Phone: +1-949-248-7273
Email: carrieo@rareproject.org

Idis
Christine Quern
Feinstein Kean Healthcare
Phone: +1-617-761-6791
Email: Christine.quern@fkhealth.com