News

Leaders in the U.S. rare disease community came together recently for a webinar to present helpful information on how to start a nonprofit and patient registry. They shared about how their respective organizations came to be, as well as the benefits of creating patient registries and how they can help…

Scientists discovered four potential protein biomarkers — apolipoprotein D, apolipoprotein H, oligodendrocyte myelin glycoprotein, and collagen6A3 — that may be useful for assessing the severity of certain disorders, including aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency. In addition to disease severity, these new biomarkers may be valuable…

The development of new gene therapy to treat people with aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency has been boosted by an R21 grant awarded by the National Institutes of Health National Advisory Neurological Disorders and Stroke Council…

A majority of rare disease patients using telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic thought the experience positive, and many would like the option of continuing its use in future appointments, a series of surveys found. The surveys were conducted by the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) and involved more than 800…

Massachusetts is holding its first-ever AADC Deficiency Awareness Day on Oct. 23, according to a press release from PTC Therapeutics, developer of a gene therapy for aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency. The day, recently designated AADC Deficiency Awareness Day in a resolution  passed by Massachusetts…

Same But Different, a nonprofit U.K. group that uses art for social change, is inviting people to choose their favorite photographs in a calendar contest to heighten awareness of rare diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The organization’s panel of judges has pared the number of contest submissions…

PTC Therapeutics and Invitae have partnered to launch a free genetic testing program that helps diagnose neurotransmitter disorders, including aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency, in people who are suspected of having such conditions. Called PTC PINPOINT, the program is designed to ensure expedient…

Same But Different, a U.K. nonprofit that uses the arts to bring communities together, is holding a calendar photography competition to raise awareness for rare diseases. Under the theme “A Glimmer of Hope,” the competition is a means to “visually express the hope that exists for people affected by…