2023 Annual Report of Rare Disease and Orphan Drugs Journal

The year 2023 has been marked by significant achievements for Rare Disease and Orphan Drugs Journal (RDODJ), thanks to the unwavering support of the dedicated editorial team, authors, reviewers, and readers. The continued growth in publications and impactful Special Issues position the journal at the forefront of rare disease research.

Publication

In 2023, RDODJ received 64 submissions, publishing 4 issues (Figure 1), featuring 27 articles contributed by 125 authors. The content of the published articles encompassed a wide range of topics, including gene therapy, newborn screening, neuromuscular diseases and drug repurpose, etc., reflecting the journal's dedication to promoting research across a wide range of subjects.

Figure 1. Journal covers published in 2023.

The 27 corresponding authors, hailing from 13 different countries (Figure 2), included prominent figures such as David A Pearce from International Rare Diseases Research Consortium (IRDiRC), Randi Hagerman from University of California Davis Health, Antonio M. Persico from University of Modena and Reggio Emilia. This international representation emphasizes the trust bestowed upon RDODJ by leading experts in the field.

Figure 2. Country distribution of corresponding authors for articles published in 2023.

A rigorous peer-review process is crucial to maintaining the journal's high standards. In 2023, a total of 288 reviewers from 36 nations or regions (Figure 3) significantly contributed to the paper review process of RDODJ. Their meticulous analysis and constructive suggestions substantially enhanced the value of the publications they reviewed, accelerating the development of RDODJ. The editors of RDODJ express sincere gratitude to these reviewers for their generous contribution of time and expertise.

Figure 3. Country/region distribution of reviewers.

Readership

RDODJ boasts a global readership (Figure 4), with readers from the United States, India, China, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Italy, South Korea, Japan, etc.

Figure 4. Country/region distribution of readership.

Special Issues

In collaboration with 15 exceptional scholars, RDODJ published 11 Special Issues in 2023 (Figure 5), fostering a community of authors and readers who shared views and proposed novel paths for further research.

Figure 5. Covers of Special Issues.

As we embark on the following year, RDODJ remains steadfast in its mission to advance scientific knowledge and collaboration within the rare disease community. The journal thrives on the dedication and contributions of researchers, reviewers, and readers alike. The editorial team remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of quality and fostering an inclusive platform for impactful research.

Editor: Yuna Ding, Cyndi Guan
Language Editor: Catherine Yang
Production Editor: Yan Zhang
Respectfully Submitted by the Editorial Office of
Rare Disease and Orphan Drugs Journal (RDDOJ)