The Amgen Prize

The Problem

Over 400 million people around the world are affected by rare diseases. Approximately half are undiagnosed, and receiving a diagnosis takes an average of five years. Even after diagnosis, treatment can be challenging: 95% of rare diseases lack an FDA-approved medicine in the U.S. The daily burdens of symptom management and treatment can be complicated by various obstacles, including limited access to transportation for appointments, frequent absences from school or work, significant out-of-pocket expenses, and bureaucratic barriers or inadequate reimbursement options. Caregivers, who play a critical role for many patients (especially pediatric patients), are affected by heavy emotional, financial and social burdens. Both patients and their caregivers often experience loneliness, isolation, and stigma. These challenges persist in all countries at various income levels around the world.

The Prize

The Amgen Prize (formerly The Horizon Prize) seeks innovative solutions from nonprofit organizations that improve the journey for patients with rare diseases, from diagnosis to treatment and holistic care. The Amgen Prize has a particular interest in solutions that: 

• Improve the rare disease diagnostic journey – reducing the time, cost, resources, and duplicative travel and testing for patients and caregivers.

• Optimize holistic care for people with rare diseases and their caretakers—including physical, mental, social, and other types of support.

• Promote community and connection among patients with rare diseases and their caregivers.

• Support daily care management for patients and/or their caregivers.

$150,000 in prize funding is available for one winning solution team for The Amgen Prize.

Partnership with Solve

• From 2021-2024, the Challenge has received 470 applications from 73 countries

• In 2024, finalist solutions included a tool for assessment of patients with rare disease ataxia, a marketplace to ensure accessibility of drug development resources, and more.

• Winner Factor H La Luz Caregivers Programme from Venezuela was awarded $150,000 to advance their solution for caregivers of Huntington’s Disease patients.