Horizon Pharma Recognizes Rare Disease Community On The “Rarest Day of the Year”

DUBLIN, IRELAND--(Marketwired - February 29, 2016) - Horizon Pharma plc (NASDAQ: HZNP), a biopharmaceutical company focused on improving patients’ lives by identifying, developing, acquiring and commercializing differentiated and accessible medicines that address unmet medical needs, today joins rare disease patient advocates worldwide in supporting the ninth annual international Rare Disease Day®.

Organized annually on the last day of February by the European Organization for Rare Diseases (EURORDIS) and supported in the United States by the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) as well as numerous patient organizations worldwide, Rare Disease Day provides the opportunity for people living with or affected by a rare disease, including caregivers, healthcare professionals, patients, policy makers, researchers and industry representatives, to join together in making the voice of rare diseases heard.

“At Horizon, we focus on patients with rare diseases who are often overlooked and, therefore, most vulnerable,” said Timothy P. Walbert, chairman, president and chief executive officer, Horizon Pharma plc. “We are committed to addressing their individualized needs and are proud to be part of the Rare Disease Day effort to help amplify their voices.”

This year’s Rare Disease Day theme, “Patient Voice,” recognizes the crucial role that patients play in expressing their needs and creating change to improve their lives, and those of their families and caregivers. As many as 30 million people in the United States -- approximately 10 percent of the population -- are living with a rare disease today, and 50 percent of rare diseases affect children.

Horizon is showing its support by volunteering at and contributing to EURORDIS, NORD, the Canadian Organization for Rare Disorders (CORD), Global Genes and Children Living with Inherited Metabolic Diseases (CLIMB) awareness events held around the world.

About Rare Disease Day
Rare Disease Day organized annually by the European Organization for Rare Diseases (EURORDIS) and supported in the United States by the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) as well as numerous organizations worldwide, takes place on the last day of February each year. The main objective of the Day is to raise awareness amongst the general public and decision-makers about rare diseases and their impact on patients’ lives. It is a world-wide phenomenon, with more than 80 countries participating in 2015. Visit www.RareDiseaseDay.org to find information about the thousands of events happening around the world to build awareness for people living with a rare disease and their families.

About Horizon Pharma plc
Horizon Pharma plc is a biopharmaceutical company focused on improving patients’ lives by identifying, developing, acquiring and commercializing differentiated and accessible medicines that address unmet medical needs. The Company markets nine medicines through its orphan, primary care and rheumatology business units. Horizon Pharma’s global headquarters are in Dublin, Ireland. For more information, please visit www.horizonpharma.com. Follow @HZNPplc on Twitter or view careers on our LinkedIn page.