New Delhi, Feb 28 (IANS): The global bio-pharmaceutical company Takeda on Friday pledged to increase awareness around rare diseases in India through its Indian entity.

The most common rare diseases identified in India are Haemophilia, Thalassemia, Sickle-cell Anaemia, Primary Immuno Deficiency, Lysosomal Storage Disorders such as Gaucher Disease, Fabry Disease, Hunter Syndrome and Pompe's Disease.

The company is committed to support faster diagnosis and better access to treatments for patients with rare diseases.

"As a company, we are committed to serve patients suffering from rare diseases like Hunter's syndrome, Gaucher and Fabry and support them in their disease journey to ensure improved quality of life," said Vineet Singhal, General Manager and Country Head, Takeda India.

"We intend to leverage and replicate curated initiatives and global best practices in India for the benefit of the patients," Singhal added.

More than 70-100 million people are suffering from rare diseases in India, the company said on International Rare Disease Day.

At least 50 per cent of new rare disease cases impact children and responsible for 35 percent of deaths before the age of one year.

With a legacy of nearly 239 years, Takeda has established best practices in the rare disease space across the globe.

Access to Medicine (AtM) is one such strategy that aims to address the broader structural barriers that prevent patients in underserved communities from receiving the care and treatment they need.

The company believes access to healthcare and medicines should be universal by being accessible and available to the patients across the country.

"There are significant unmet medical needs in the management of rare disorders in India, and it is imperative that all stakeholders such as treating physicians, health-care providers, policy-makers and patient groups come together to ensure timely diagnosis and intervention," Sandeep Arora, Medical Affairs Head, Takeda India, said in a statement.

"With focus on patients, Takeda runs specific charitable access programmes and patient assistance programs to help get access to treatment and ensure they lead near normal lives," Arora added.