News

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…

AADC Deficiency Misdiagnosed as Epilepsy: Case Study

Symptoms that mimicked epilepsy led to the misdiagnosis of a Chinese infant girl with aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency, a case study reported. The researchers noted the case emphasizes the difficulty distinguishing between epileptic episodes, or seizures, and oculogyric crisis — a common symptom of AADC…

Study Shows Cognitive Range in AADC Deficiency Patients

People with AACD deficiency commonly experience emotional problems and intellectual disability, though the severity of cognitive impairment varies markedly among patients, a new study indicates. “Our study provides further evidence that AADCD requires specific neurological and neuropsychological assessments to monitor the disease,” the study’s researchers wrote. The study, “Long-term…

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.

Registration Now Open for 2022 RARE Patient Advocacy Summit

The goal of this year’s Global Genes RARE Patient Advocacy Summit, slated for Sept. 12–14, is to connect rare disease patients, advocates, caregivers, researchers, healthcare professionals, and industry stakeholders — including those involved with aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency. “For people living with any of the 10,000+ rare…