Mary Chapman, features writer —

Mary graduated from Wayne State University with a degree in journalism. She began her career at United Press International, then spent a decade reporting for the Bureau of National Affairs, Inc. (now Bloomberg Industry Group). Mary has written extensively for The New York Times, and her work has appeared in publications such as Time, Newsweek, Fortune, and the Chicago Tribune. She’s won a Society of Professional Journalists award for outstanding reporting.

Articles by Mary Chapman

Curant Health Designated a Partner in Rare Disease Advocacy

The national outcomes-based patient support organization Curant Health has joined rare360, a Rare Advocacy Movement (RAM) partnership program that seeks to connect, build up, and protect community-focused industry, academic, and advocacy stakeholders in rare disorders. “Being a partner with the Rare Advocacy Movement (RAM) and a registered…

Medable, Every Cure Partner on Drug Repurposing for Rare Diseases

Medable, a technology platform for clinical trials, has partnered with the nonprofit Every Cure to speed the discovery of treatments for rare diseases — such as aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency — with the help of drug repurposing. The partners will focus on identifying new uses…

Group Calls for Support as FDA Orphan Drug Act Turns 40

In marking the 40th year of the Orphan Drug Act (ODA) — used by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to spur treatment development for rare diseases — a life sciences industry coalition is calling on legislators and other policymakers to make a new commitment to finding therapies…

Survey to ID Barriers Facing Minorities With Rare Diseases

An upcoming U.S. survey, reported to be the first of its kind, aims for a better understanding of barriers to healthcare access and affordability among rare disease patients and caregivers in racial minority or other marginalized groups, and to help inform ways to remove them. The initiative is led by…

NORD Welcomes Renewal of FDA User Fees, But Wants More

While the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) is pleased Congress voted to reauthorize the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) user fee program — as part of a U.S. government short-term spending package (HR 6833) — it noted the legislation falls short in areas important to…

Sept. 20 Webinar to Offer Insight Into Rare Disease Clinical Trials

A free live webinar on Sept. 20 will explore various aspects of rare disease clinical trials — and offer insight into the challenges researchers face in finding and enrolling participants, particularly those of diverse backgrounds. Those interested in attending can register now for the hour-long webinar, titled “Rare Disease…

NORD Rare Disease Summit on Tap for Oct. 17-18 in DC

The NORD Rare Diseases & Orphan Products Breakthrough Summit, set for Oct. 17–18, will feature a range of speakers and discussions about issues affecting the more than 300 million people worldwide thought to have a rare disease — including those with aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency. The…

NORD Cheers New US ‘Inflation Reduction Act’ for Healthcare

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (HR 5376) will help individuals with rare diseases — such as aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency — to continue to receive safe and effective care, the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) said in a statement lauding the new U.S. healthcare legislation.