Takeda Breaks Barriers for Rare Disease Patients at Children’s National

In our monthly Corporate Partner Spotlight, we speak with corporate leaders about what inspires them to serve as advocates and ambassadors for children’s health. This month, we spoke with Tom Koutsavlis, MD, head of U.S. Medical Affairs at Takeda.

 

Through a medical grant, Takeda proudly supports the Rare Disease Clinical Activity Protocols (RareCAP) program with the Children’s National Rare Disease Institute. RareCAP, the first-of-its-kind program, is an online networked system designed to develop, disseminate and curate dependable rare disease protocols. It shines a light on Takeda’s 240-year legacy of putting patients first.

 

Why does Takeda choose to support Children’s National?

With extensive resources and capabilities, Children’s National is the ideal organization to help integrate rare disease research and real-world clinical experience in an unprecedented and unique way. 

The RareCAP platform transforms and simplifies the patient’s rare disease care journey in a wide range of settings. It enables us to find the appropriate clinical care, while reducing barriers for clinicians, patients and researchers.

Our team is thrilled to support Children’s National in actively reshaping the landscape for the rare disease community to ensure every patient can achieve optimal health.

What personally motivates your support?

The smiles and joy on these kids' faces remind me of what matters most. During my time as a physician at Montreal Children’s Hospital, I saw many children living with rare diseases. It was inspiring to play a role and witness how the hospital and the entire care team tailored the environment for the kids. Children’s National embodies that commitment. 

Why is the potential impact so profound in advancing rare disease research and innovation?

Many people living with a rare disease face a prolonged and challenging diagnostic and care journey, each leaving a different mark on patients and their families. We hope the RareCAP program continues to improve the standard of care for all. Rare disease patients, families and caregivers deserve answers and a path forward to a brighter future.

What’s the most rewarding part of working with Children’s National?

We’re able to listen, learn and create solutions that drive better outcomes for rare disease patients, thanks to our invaluable alliance with Children’s National. We deeply appreciate that we share the same passion to revolutionize healthcare for every patient.