Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research

The Instituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri (Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research) in Ranica, Italy, is a not-for-profit foundation established in 1963. The center operates on three levels: the Clinical Research Center, the Information Center for Rare Diseases, and the European School for Rare Diseases. The Clinical Research Center is a fully equipped hospital devoted entirely to clinical research. The aim is to develop research projects with special emphasis on rare diseases and innovative diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. The Information Center for Rare Diseases is a service to the public that provides up-to-date information on rare disorders with emphasis on causes, genetics, prevention, and investigational treatments of these disorders. The goal of the center is to create a computerized rare disease database containing updated information on rare disorders and a directory of specialized physicians and clinical research centers in Europe that are familiar with a variety of rare diseases. The European School for Rare Diseases functions as a forum for cultural activities aimed at specialists and health professionals. Workshops and conferences are scheduled throughout the year. Clinical training includes short “basic” courses, intensive courses, and clinical research studies.