News

Caring for a loved one with a rare disease, especially during these uncertain times, demands significant time, attention, patience, and dedication. To help meet that need, the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)’s Rare Caregiver Respite Program may be a helpful resource. The program seeks to give a…

Screening genomic databases for disease-causing mutations could help identify people with possible aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency or other rare diseases, a study suggests. The findings were shared in a poster (no. 087), “Identification of individuals with likely AADC deficiency based on DDC variation in…

Butterflies, ballerinas, and abstract flowers are featured among the winning artwork of this year’s Rare Artist contest, hosted by the EveryLife Foundation for Rare Diseases to heighten awareness about rare disease communities and salute the creativity of its members. Awardees will be able to display their art and…

PTC Therapeutics is preparing to launch PTC-AADC, its experimental gene therapy for aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency, the company has announced in a press release. Among other launch efforts, the company is expanding its genetic testing program, while finding and preparing expert pediatric neurosurgical centers.

The annual EURORDIS Photo Award contest is inviting people worldwide to visually express what life is like with a rare disease, while raising awareness through their work of these disorders. Submissions for next year’s awards are open until Jan. 31. The competition is organized by France-based EURODIS, an alliance…

PTC Therapeutics has developed and validated tools to help assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in people with aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency. In addition, these health tools are expected to help determine the cost-effectiveness ratio of future treatments for this rare genetic disease. The new tools…

The first wave of COVID-19 in Europe severely disrupted access to care and raised stress and anxiety in people with rare diseases, negatively affecting their health and well-being, according to a survey conducted by Eurordis-Rare Diseases Europe. “People living with rare diseases in Europe have found themselves caught as collateral…