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Given that 72% of rare diseases are genetic in origin, gene therapies, along with their research and development, hold great promise for enhancing the lives of many more people living with a rare condition. These therapies involve altering a person's genes to treat or prevent diseases.

In the latest episode of Rare on Air, host Julien Poulain converses with Radoslav Hajgajda, Chair and co-founder of the Association of Gene Therapy (Asociace Genové Terapie). Based in Prague with his family and his six-year-old son, Oliver, who has Angelman syndrome, Radoslav (also referred to as Rado in this episode) is deeply involved in the cause of gene therapies' development.

Rado’s organisation recently unveiled their Gene Age exhibition, aimed at educating the public about the fundamentals of genetics and DNA, focusing on rare genetic diseases, diagnostics, and potential treatments.

Julien also talks to Radislav Sedláček, a scientist and Director of the Czech Centre for Phenogenomics. Radislav delves into the scientific progress in gene therapies and the work his lab does in examining gene functions through model organisms.

Get in touch with the podcast by emailing RareOnAir@eurordis.org, and join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #EurordisRareOnAir.