This Strategic Dialogue will feature distinguished judges and finalists for the Amgen Prize pitch competition, sponsored by Amgen and powered by MIT Solve. Over 400 million people worldwide are affected by rare diseases, with half undiagnosed and diagnoses taking an average of five years. Post-diagnosis, treatment is difficult as 95% of rare diseases lack FDA-approved medications. Patients face challenges such as managing symptoms, limited access to care, high costs, and bureaucratic hurdles, while caregivers endure significant emotional and financial burdens. Nonprofits and NGOs, particularly patient advocacy groups, play a vital role in addressing these needs by fostering community, driving research, and advocating for patients. This year, The Amgen Prize, seeks innovative solutions from nonprofit organizations and NGOs around the world that improve the journey of patients with rare diseases, from diagnosis to treatment and holistic care. This session will be the final pitch competition of the finalists who will compete to win the Amgen Prize. The winner will later be announced on the East Stage.

Amgen is a 2024 Concordia Annual Summit Core Programming Sponsor.