On November 7, 2024, GenAssist and the JIREN Charity Foundation held the launch ceremony for the “U-Walking Foundation” at AstraZeneca’s booth during the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE). The event was witnessed and supported by AstraZeneca China.
During the ceremony, the representative from GenAssist highlighted the global challenges faced in the treatment of rare diseases and the difficulties pharmaceutical companies encounter in new drug development. GenAssist expressed its hope to “establish a positive therapeutic ecosystem through the U-Walking Foundation, providing more opportunities for rare disease patients to achieve a cure.” The launch ceremony marked the first step of the U-Walking Foundation, which will continue to offer unwavering support to patients with the backing and involvement of various sectors.
The U-Walking Foundation, a dedicated initiative under the JIREN Charity Foundation, was co-initiated by GenAssist and officially approved in June 2024.
The foundation focuses on advancing research and translation efforts for muscular dystrophy-related diseases. By gathering top-tier industry resources, it aims to collaborate with patient organizations, medical institutions, universities, and Biotech companies to comprehensively support fundamental and translational research for muscular dystrophy diseases, expediting the development of new therapies. It also strives to establish a comprehensive support system encompassing education, diagnosis, and treatment, improving patients’ quality of life and fostering a positive ecosystem for muscular dystrophy diseases.
Dr. He, Founder and CEO of GenAssist, stated:
“Currently, early research and translational progress for muscular dystrophy-related diseases, including DMD (Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy), are moving very slowly in China. For example, DMD patients exhibit diverse mutation types, requiring tailored development for different types. Given the low prevalence of many mutations, Biotech companies often cannot cater to all patients due to commercial considerations in pipelines development. Therefore, GenAssist co-initiated the U-Walking Foundation, aiming to mobilize societal efforts to contribute to the treatment of muscular dystrophy patients who currently lack drug options.”
We extend our heartfelt congratulations on the establishment of the U-Walking Foundation and hold high expectations for its future achievements!
JIREN Charity Foundation
JIREN Charity Foundation (JRCF) is the first national non-public charitable foundation in China dedicated to providing charitable assistance through traditional Chinese medicine. It was initiated by the Henan Han Traditional Medicine Research Institute and established on November 9, 2011.
