Pune NGO offers free drug for rare skin disease

A Pune-based foundation will now provide the expensive drug Rituximab free of charge to needy patients suffering from the rare and painful skin disease, Autoimmune Blistering Disease. The initiative by the AIBDF foundation was announced at a doctors' and public awareness program in Nagpur, with over 200 dermatologists in attendance. The drug's availability will help patients who previously struggled to afford the costly treatment. The foundation was started in memory of a woman who died from the disease, and has already helped 25 patients. The NGO is now seeking corporate support to expand its reach.