Skip to main content
SEARCH

Why speciality and rare-disease drugs are the next big thing in Medical Sales

In an industry as vast and complex as pharmaceuticals, it can be easy to lose track of all the products making it onto the market. However, a trend that is quickly emerging worldwide is the rise of drugs aimed at helping those with rare diseases. With the latest figures predicting the orphan drug market will hit a value of $217 billion by 2024, many companies are quickly waking up to the potential that these drugs can have in the marketplace, opening up new career opportunities for many.


Read on to learn about the top 10 rare diseases and how you might be able to build a career where you can make a difference.

Rare diseases may not be as rare as you think 


Despite there being around 7,000 known rare diseases, only 5% have an approved drug developed to treat them. However, the number of patents being registered by companies for new drugs is growing rapidly; in 2022, the European Commission approved 21 medicines for rare diseases - more than ever before.

Why has it suddenly become so popular? Though Orphan Drug regulation has been around for years - in the U.S., the Orphan Drug Act was published in 1983, with the European Union following suit in 1999 - the market was previously deemed too unprofitable to function due to a small consumer base and the high costs of developing products. To stimulate investment, these acts offered pharmaceutical companies unprecedented benefits, amongst them ten years of market exclusivity for a new patented rare disease drug- effectively allowing them to set their own price for any drugs they release onto the market- scientific advice and access to EU-funded research.

In the years that have followed, leaps in medical technology have made it possible to create and market more rare-disease drugs than ever before. With leaps forward in CRISPR gene-editing and the use of big data for drug discovery, companies are finding it easier than ever before to get involved with the rare disease market. Though biotech companies led the trend at first, big pharma is getting involved too and industry investment is soaring. As a result, this vastly expanding market is creating a huge number of new jobs, meaning that enthusiastic and passionate people can get involved whether their interests lie in R&D, making the next breakthrough, or in sales.


Top 10 rare diseases

The definition of a rare disease varies by country. Some determine it must affect fewer than 1 in 2,000 people, while others use a threshold of fewer than 1 in 10,000 people. For healthcare and drug development companies, they present numerous challenges, including limited understanding, difficulty diagnosing, limited treatment options and high therapy costs.

Awareness and research are critical to improving outcomes for those affected by these conditions. Collaboration between healthcare providers, drug development companies, patients, and patient advocacy groups is critical to improving outcomes for those affected by rare diseases.

So, what are the top 10 rare diseases in the world? Here’s a summary based on prevalence:

  1. Pompe disease
  2. Huntington's disease
  3. Primary sclerosing cholangitis
  4. Gaucher disease
  5. Cystic fibrosis
  6. Batten disease
  7. Acromegaly
  8. Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressive
  9. Spinal muscular atrophy
  10. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) 

Get involved


A career in rare disease drugs can not only be exciting, but rewarding. The World Economic Forum estimates that as many as 475 million people across the world suffer from a rare disease, and being a part of the process that brings relief to these people can be a massive source of job satisfaction. This is especially true as those working within rare diseases have a much higher rate of patient interaction when creating, testing and marketing their new drug. Indeed, employees often meet with support communities in order to raise awareness for these diseases and raise funding for further research; a good example of one of these fundraisers is the Ice Bucket Challenge which went viral across the world some years ago and raised enormous amounts of money.

Whilst the industry is also extremely lucrative, it’s also an excellent job opportunity for many people wanting to try something new: from charity work to talented young specialists, there’s something for everybody, including those in Medical Sales, with representatives commanding unlimited market access to the drug they are selling. 

With the rare disease market expanding rapidly, now’s the perfect time to get involved. Explore medical sales rep careers, take a look at our latest market access roles or explore all our vacancies across specialisms.
List #1

IQVIA Related insights

Diana Heres - Service Development Executive at IQVIA Interface
What does career growth mean at IQVIA? Q&A with Diana Heres

Teaser

Medical Sales & Services

Content Type

Article

Published

24/10/2024

Summary

We caught up with Diana Heres, a Service Development Executive at IQVIA Interface, on her career development journey with us so far.  Diana shares her journey to help answer questions such as “How do

Teaser

Diana shares her journey to help answer questions such as “How do I build up my career?”

Read more
Ruth Lynn

by

Ruth Lynn

Ruth Lynn

by

Ruth Lynn

Corinne Scott, Client Services Manager at IQVIA
Client Services Manager Corinne Scott shares her career change advice

Teaser

General

Content Type

Article

Published

08/10/2024

Summary

Recently, we interviewed Corinne Scott, Client Services Manager at IQVIA for her insight into how to decide a career change.  Corinne shared her own journey and valuable advice with us to help answer

Teaser

We interviewed Corinne Scott, Client Services Manager, for her insight on changing careers.

Read more
Corinne  Scott

by

Corinne Scott

Corinne  Scott

by

Corinne Scott

man typing at a laptop with a coffee next to his laptop.
What is a Virtual Sales Representative and how can you become one?

Teaser

Sales

Content Type

Article

Published

04/10/2024

Summary

Virtual Sales has a growing presence in the healthcare and medical solutions industry, especially since the pandemic. Virtual Sales is set to be the new normal, even as we’ve emerged on the other side

Teaser

Virtual Sales is set to be the new normal, even as we’ve emerged on the other side of COVID.

Read more
A clipboard on a table while two peoples arms are visible resting over it.
How do I explain my technical skills in an interview?

Teaser

General

Content Type

Article

Published

27/09/2024

Summary

Kickstarting or switching your career is only made easier by having solid technical skills under your belt. Technical skills are expertise and specialised knowledge that you enhance throughout your c

Teaser

Kickstarting or switching your career is only made easier by having solid technical skills.

Read more
Ruth Lynn

by

Ruth Lynn

Ruth Lynn

by

Ruth Lynn

A laptop, notebook, and phone on a desk with a virtual image of Biological molecules.
What can you do with a biomedical science degree at IQVIA?

Teaser

Sales

Content Type

Article

Published

18/09/2024

Summary

If you’re a recent or soon-to-be graduate of biomedical science, and have realised that a laboratory-based career may not be the right direction for you, you may be wondering what other career opti

Teaser

Working in medical sales (or an allied role) could be a great choice to consider after graduating.

Read more
Tracey Smith

by

Tracey Smith

Tracey Smith

by

Tracey Smith

four hands, each holding a piece of a jigsaw, placing the pieces together.
The top 4 medical sales rep challenges and how to overcome them

Teaser

Medical Sales & Services

Content Type

Article

Published

17/09/2024

Summary

Stepping into any role in the healthcare sector comes with its challenges, and being a successful medical sales representative is no exception.  Whether you’re an experienced sales rep and feel confi

Teaser

Stepping into any role in the healthcare sector comes with its challenges

Read more
Ruth Lynn

by

Ruth Lynn

Ruth Lynn

by

Ruth Lynn

A man and a woman sat at a computer, both are wearing business-wear.
How to kickstart your medical affairs career

Teaser

Medical Affairs & Services

Content Type

Article

Published

13/08/2024

Summary

Medical Affairs is a fast-paced sector and the work is so varied that no two days will look the same.  Medical affairs professionals working in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device in

Teaser

Medical Affairs is a fast-paced sector and the work is so varied that no two days will look the same.

Read more
Medical technology concept - a virtual screen with med tech symbols.
The roles IQVIA offers in MedTech

Teaser

Medical Affairs & Services

Content Type

Article

Published

31/07/2024

Summary

At IQVIA, we recruit for various roles within the MedTech sphere and we’re always looking for professionals keen to move healthcare forward.  In this article, we’ll outline the market for MedTech so

Teaser

We’ve outlined just some of the field-based roles IQVIA has to offer in MedTech.

Read more
Tracey Smith

by

Tracey Smith

Tracey Smith

by

Tracey Smith

Some hands at a laptop with a virtual screen popping out of it showing data and trends.
What is the outlook for the global oncology market in 2024?

Teaser

Medical

Content Type

Article

Published

30/07/2024

Summary

In IQVIA, we support customers in their mission to get drugs to patients. As such, we recognise the value of keeping track of the latest market trends, developments, and insights.  Modern healthcare

Teaser

Oncology is just one example of a rapidly advancing field in 2024.

Read more
Catherine Scott

by

Catherine Scott

Catherine Scott

by

Catherine Scott

A lab setting with a clinician looking at a tablet.
What is clinical pharmacology?

Teaser

Clinical Operations

Content Type

Article

Published

23/07/2024

Summary

Clinical pharmacology, a specialised branch of biomedical science, holds a pivotal role in developing vital drugs and ensuring their effective use in patients.  Clinical pharmacologists bridge the ga

Teaser

Clinical pharmacology holds a pivotal role in developing vital drugs and ensuring their effective use in patients.

Read more
Ruth Lynn

by

Ruth Lynn

Ruth Lynn

by

Ruth Lynn

Smiling female executive making successful deal with partner shaking hand at work.
How to specialise in oncology sales

Teaser

Sales

Content Type

Article

Published

23/07/2024

Summary

Oncologists focus on diagnosing and treating cancer while overseeing treatment and managing post-treatment care. The oncology drugs market worldwide is expected to reach a market volume of $268bn by

Teaser

When it comes to medical sales, we dive into how you can specialise in oncology.

Read more
Ruth Lynn

by

Ruth Lynn

Ruth Lynn

by

Ruth Lynn

Group of three young coworkers working together in a sunny office.Man typing on computer keyboard. Woman pointing hand to desktop screen. Horizontal image, blurred background
What does a market access manager do and why should you become one?

Teaser

General

Content Type

Article

Published

17/07/2024

Summary

Market access is all about preparing a drug for market entry, and as such it’s a vitally important part of the drug development process and wider pharmaceutical industry. While for pharmaceutical an

Teaser

Market access is all about preparing a drug for market entry, and as such it’s a vitally important part of the drug development process and wider pharmaceutical industry.

Read more