Marisa Wexler, MS,  senior science writer—

Marisa holds a Master of Science in cellular and molecular pathology from the University of Pittsburgh, where she studied novel genetic drivers of ovarian cancer. Her areas of expertise include cancer biology, immunology, and genetics, and she has worked as a science writing and communications intern for the Genetics Society of America.

Articles by Marisa Wexler

Most FDA drug approvals in 2024 targeted rare diseases

More than half of all therapies approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2024 were designed to treat rare diseases, according to an advisory firm that helps life sciences companies navigate the commercialization process. One such approval was for Kebilidi (eladocagene exuparvovec-tneq), a gene therapy developed…

Screening movement disorders may aid AADC deficiency detection

An international program that screened more than 160 children thought to have movement disorders like cerebral palsy led to one child being diagnosed with AADC deficiency, a study reports. The study, “REVEAL-CP: Selective Screening of Pediatric Patients for Aromatic L-Amino Acid Decarboxylase Deficiency with a Guthrie…

New models may better assess impact of AADC deficiency: Study

Through a series of interviews with doctors, caregivers, and members of the general public, scientists have calculated new health state utilities (HSUs) that can be used to make economic assessments about the impact of AADC deficiency on a patient’s quality of life. “The HSUs generated here reflect an accurate…

Study highlights ways to diagnose rare genetic diseases in adults

Comprehensive testing and continual re-evaluation of available data are needed to diagnose adults with rare genetic diseases, a new study from researchers in South Korea highlights. “Our findings emphasize the importance of a strategic approach [to a rare disease diagnosis] in adults, especially those with known family history and symptoms…

AADC deficiency gene therapy, called Kebilidi, now approved in US

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved PTC Therapeutics’ one-time gene therapy, now called Kebilidi (eladocagene exuparvovec-tneq) in the U.S., for children and adults with AADC deficiency across the full spectrum of disease severity. The decision makes Kebilidi, also approved under the brand name Upstaza…