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Researchers create AI algorithm to aid genetic testing decisions

A team of U.S. researchers developed an artificial intelligence or AI-based algorithm to help doctors decide which type of genetic testing is most appropriate for children suspected of having a rare pediatric disease. The scientists believe their algorithm, dubbed the Phen2Test, will help accelerate the diagnostic odyssey for children living…

AADC deficiency gene therapy, called Kebilidi, now approved in US

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved PTC Therapeutics’ one-time gene therapy, now called Kebilidi (eladocagene exuparvovec-tneq) in the U.S., for children and adults with AADC deficiency across the full spectrum of disease severity. The decision makes Kebilidi, also approved under the brand name Upstaza…

New European alliance to advance rare disease diagnosis, care

The European Rare Diseases Research Alliance (ERDERA) was launched officially last week with the vision to offer better diagnosis and treatment for the 30 million people living in Europe with a rare disease like aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency. Coordinated by the National Institute of Health and…

AI model identifies existing drugs to repurpose for rare diseases

An artificial intelligence (AI) model could identify possible therapies for thousands of diseases from existing treatments, according to Harvard Medical School researchers. These diseases include rare disorders such as aromatic I-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency, for which there is currently no treatment. The model, called TxGNN, closely resembles the…