Radical-CDG: ERDERA Project
Understanding the project starts with understanding the challenge.
RADICAL-CDG brings together researchers, clinicians, patient organisations and industry partners to accelerate the development of future therapies for Congenital Disorders of Glycosylation (CDG). Because CDG is a complex group of rare diseases, many people naturally have questions about the project, the disorders it addresses, and the research it will undertake. Below you will find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Click on any question below to learn more about RADICAL-CDG.
RADICAL-CDG is a three-year European research project (April 2026–March 2029) funded through the 2025 Joint Transnational Call of ERDERA. The project brings together researchers, clinicians, patient organisations and drug-development specialists to develop and evaluate innovative therapeutic strategies for Congenital Disorders of Glycosylation (CDG).
CDG are a family of around 200 rare inherited metabolic disorders caused by defects in glycosylation—the process that builds and attach sugar chains to proteins.
Because glycosylation is essential for normal cellular function, CDG can affect multiple organs and body systems, leading to highly variable symptoms between individuals and disease types.
- Glycosylation is a highly complex biological process.
- More than 200 CDG types exist.
- Multiple organs may be affected.
- Patient populations are extremely small.
- Researchers often have limited access to samples and disease models.
Despite these challenges, previous research has identified promising therapeutic strategies that RADICAL-CDG will now investigate further.
💊 Repurposing Medicines
Investigating whether existing medicines could also benefit specific CDG types.
🚚 Advanced Drug Delivery
Developing smarter ways to deliver therapies to the tissues where they are needed.
🧪 Innovative Therapeutic Chemistry
Designing and testing new molecules targeting biological mechanisms involved in CDG.
RADICAL-CDG brings together universities, hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, biotechnology experts and patient organisations from eight European countries. The consortium combines scientific excellence with the experience of people living with CDG to ensure that research remains focused on patient needs.
Patients, families and patient organisations are active partners throughout RADICAL-CDG. Their experience helps researchers identify meaningful outcomes, improve communication and ensure that future therapies address real-life priorities.
- ✔ Identify promising therapeutic strategies.
- ✔ Generate evidence for future development.
- ✔ Better understand treatment mechanisms.
- ✔ Support future clinical trials.
- ✔ Prioritise the most effective approaches.
- ✔ Keep the CDG community informed.