A gene therapy dramatically improved the motor functions and quality of life in children with aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency in a recent Phase 1 clinical trial. The healthy copy of the AADC gene that the children received corrected the seizure-like episodes associated with the disorder and, in…
QualityMetric and Pulse Infoframe are collaborating to develop instruments across rare diseases to support global research initiatives, including those searching for treatments. The scientifically validated instruments and surveys would prospectively benefit patients and families as well as scientists, treatment developers, and advocates. More than 300 million people…
Analyzing levels of certain organic acids in the urine can be a useful first step in diagnosing aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency, a new report highlights. Using urine analyses for detecting the neurometabolic disorder would be less invasive than current tests, which require a spinal tap, the…
To help patient advocacy leaders and their partners better understand how global health statistics codes — known as ICD codes — are assigned, updated, and revised in the U.S. health information system, the EveryLife Foundation for Rare Diseases is presenting a first-of-its-kind resource guide. The foundation created the…
Those who wish to gain practical tools for living optimally with rare diseases are encouraged to attend the annual Living Rare Living Stronger Patient and Family Forum, hosted by the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) and set this year for June 26-27. The conference brings together patients,…
Those who wish to gain practical tools for living optimally with rare diseases are encouraged to attend the annual Living Rare Living Stronger Patient and Family Forum, hosted by the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) and set this year for June 26-27. The conference brings together patients,…
Eurordis opened a campaign, called Rare 2030 Action, that is seeking to establish a European action plan for rare diseases to ensure that none of the 30 million people in Europe living with rare diseases are left behind by the start of a new decade. As part of…
Children with aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency experience a wide range of symptoms and difficulties in day-to-day activities, which can have substantial affects on their quality of life, a study based on interviews with caregivers reported. This is the first published scientific study to explore the qualitative experience…
Recently-characterized mutations that have been associated with mild AADC deficiency cause some alterations to the AADC protein, but do not drastically alter the protein’s structure, according to a new analysis. The data were presented at the WebPro meeting this May in a poster, titled “Compound…
Caregivers of children with aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency spend the bulk of their days providing care, with most needing additional help and having to quit their jobs or greatly reduce working hours, according to responses to a questionnaire developed by PTC Therapeutics. “As with so many rare…
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