About Gaucher Disease

Learn About Gaucher Disease

Gaucher disease is a rare inherited genetic condition caused by a deficiency of the glucocerebrosidase enzyme.

Gaucher disease is a rare inherited metabolic disorder in which the body cannot break down certain fatty substances effectively. As a result, these substances accumulate in organs such as the spleen, liver and bone marrow, leading to a wide range of symptoms that vary from person to person.

People living with Gaucher disease may experience fatigue, enlarged spleen or liver, bone pain, fractures, anaemia and low platelet counts. Some forms of the disease can also affect the nervous system. Because the symptoms often resemble those of more common conditions, diagnosis may be delayed for many years.

Newly Diagnosed

Newly Diagnosed? You Are Not Alone.

Receiving a diagnosis of Gaucher disease can feel overwhelming, and you may have many questions about what comes next. You are not alone. The International Gaucher Alliance is here to help you understand your condition, connect with trusted patient organisations and access reliable information, practical resources and ongoing support throughout your journey.

When our daughter was diagnosed with Gaucher disease, we felt frightened and overwhelmed. The International Gaucher Alliance guided us through every step and helped secure the treatment she urgently needed through a humanitarian aid programme. Their compassion and support gave us hope at our darkest moment. Today, we can look to the future with renewed confidence and will always be grateful for their life-changing support.

— Deepti Bisht (Nitisha's Mother)

India

Find Support

A Global Community Ready to Support You

Living with Gaucher disease is easier when no one has to face it alone. The International Gaucher Alliance brings together patient organisations, caregivers, advocates and healthcare professionals around the world to provide trusted information, practical support, educational resources and opportunities to connect with others. Wherever you live, help may be closer than you think.

Access to Treatment

Learn about programmes that may help people access Gaucher disease treatment where it is not available through their usual healthcare system.

Find a Patient Organisation

Connect with a Gaucher patient organisation in your country.

Clinical Trials

Explore current Gaucher disease research and clinical trials.

Research & Innovation

Bringing the Patient Voice to Research

The IGA works with researchers, clinicians and other partners to ensure that the experiences and priorities of people affected by Gaucher disease help shape research and innovation.

Global Impact

Our Global Impact

For more than 30 years, the International Gaucher Alliance has connected and strengthened the global Gaucher community.

member organisations
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Countries represented
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Years of patient advocacy
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People supported across 45 countries*
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*Figures represent patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals who directly contacted the IGA for support in seeking access to treatment through charitable access programmes between 2010 and 2026. They do not include patients the IGA has advocated for through Takeda’s Charitable Access Programme since 2011. Not all requests resulted in approval for treatment.

A Global Community

Our Global Community

Our member organisations and wider network connect people affected by Gaucher disease across countries and regions around the world.

Trusted Partners & Memberships

Working Together for the Gaucher Community

The International Gaucher Alliance works closely with international organisations,
healthcare partners and the global rare disease community to improve diagnosis, treatment, research and patient support worldwide.

Latest News & Events

Stay Connected with the Global Gaucher Community

Stay up to date with the latest IGA news, activities, events and developments from the global Gaucher community.

Stay Connected with Us

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Help Strengthen the Global Gaucher Community

Support the IGA’s work to connect communities, amplify patient voices and improve access to information, care and treatment worldwide.