Rare Disease Day Timeline

2012

PrEP

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Truvada for PrEP use to prevent the spread of HIV.

2008

The First Rare Disease Day

Taking place on the 25th anniversary of the passing of the Orphan Drug Act, the very first Rare Disease Day is observed in numerous European and Canadian nations.

1983

The Orphan Drug Act

The Orphan Drug Act was passed to facilitate development of drugs for rare diseases.

1885

The First Rabies Vaccine

Nine-year-old Joseph Meister, who had been mauled by a rabid dog, was the first human to receive this vaccine.

1796

The First Vaccine

Edward Jenner, a country doctor living in England, performed the world's first vaccination saving potentially millions of people from smallpox.