News

Aspire4Rare launched for better rare disease health policies

UCB has launched Aspire4Rare, a framework to “future-proof” health policies for rare diseases like aromatic l-amino-acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency, with the goal being to ensure faster diagnoses, better care, and access to new treatments. Developed in collaboration with a panel of experts in rare diseases from the U.S.

Patients often responsible for communication between their MDs

People living with rare diseases frequently end up being responsible for communication between their healthcare providers, a new study from Germany highlights. The finding “supports the need for establishing structures to unburden patients and caregivers from long distance travelling and being responsible for organizing their own healthcare,” researchers wrote in…

Rare disease legislation in US for research, access to care, advances

The Energy and Commerce Health subcommittee of the U.S. House of Representatives has voted to advance proposed legislation — several bipartisan bills — to support research into rare disease, including conditions such as aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency. Among the bills moving forward are two that will encourage…

Upstaza, one-time gene therapy, under FDA review for approval

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has agreed to review an application seeking the approval of Upstaza (eladocagene exuparvovec), PTC Therapeutics’ one-time gene therapy for AADC deficiency. The FDA placed the company’s application under priority review, which shortens the review period to about six months from…

Mississippi establishes rare disease advisory council

Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves has signed into law a bill that establishes a rare disease advisory council (RDAC) in the state. “I was proud to sign Senate Bill 2156 into law,” Reeves said in a press release from the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). “Our state remains…

Self-directed immune attack cause of woman’s AADC deficiency

A 62-year-old woman was found to have acquired aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency due to a self-directed autoimmune attack, a case study reported. She also had severe orthostatic hypotension, or a drop in blood pressure when standing up, which was successfully treated with vitamin B6 supplements,…