There are between 7,000 and 8,000 rare diseases (fewer than 5 people affected out of 10,000), over 80% of which are genetic in origin. These diseases affect around 3 million people in France. However, despite recent successes in diagnosis, care and the development of treatments, 50% of patients still have no molecular diagnosis and less than 5% of patients benefit from treatment. 

The aim of the Marseille institute for rare diseases (MarMaRa) is to bring together research, medical and educational teams, as well as partners from industry, in cross-disciplinary training and research initiatives.