The goal of the initiative «Rare Diseases – New Approaches» was to improve the diagnosis and treatment of rare genetic diseases. The program was aimed at bridging the worlds of basic and clinical research: projects with new approaches or technologies were supported that focused on a clinical or diagnostic application. The project results had to lead to a better understanding of the genetic, molecular and biochemical processes underlying these diseases and to pave the way towards new diagnostics and new forms of treatment. The ideal project scenario was to show concrete compounds and diagnostic tests from which patients suffering from a rare disease could benefit.
The focus had to be on innovation, feasibility and effectiveness, while attaining high scientific and technological standards. The call was directed at researchers developing and implementing innovative approaches or technologies to address currently unresolved needs.