On the occasion of International Clinical Trials Day, which is celebrated on May 20, the Spanish Association of Orphan and Ultra-Orphan Drug Laboratories (AELMHU) has published its annual report in which it highlights that nearly a quarter of the clinical trials carried out in Spain in 2023 focused on rare diseases, despite a decrease of two points compared to the 25% they represented the previous year.

The report reveals that during 2023, 834 clinical trials were authorized in Spain, of which 190 corresponded to rare diseases, representing a 10% decrease over the previous year. A particularly positive development was the significant increase in clinical trials in the early stages of development, which grew by 19% over the previous year.

On the other hand, trials directed at the pediatric population accounted for 22% of all trials authorized in the field of rare diseases.

According to AELMHU data based on the Spanish Registry of Clinical Trials (REec), dependent on the Spanish Agency of Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS), the pharmaceutical industry continues to be the main driver of clinical trials in rare diseases in Spain, accounting for 96%, one point more than in 2022, showing a clear commitment to research in this field.