News

121 new AADC deficiency cases found across globe during study

An international team of researchers have reported 121 new cases of aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency and identified 26 novel disease-associated mutations in the DDC gene. Among the nearly 350 reported cases of AADC deficiency globally — including the 121 new ones — the vast majority of DDC mutations…

New partners hope to advance innovative gene-editing technology

In a new collaboration, Novo Nordisk plans to explore Life Edit Therapeutics’ innovative gene-editing technology for the treatment of rare genetic diseases, such as aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency. The therapeutic targets have yet to be disclosed, but the partnership provides for the development of as…

FindZebra rare disease search engine enhanced by new AI tool

A new artificial intelligence (AI) tool — OpenAI’s GPT application programming interface (API) — has been integrated into FindZebra, an online search engine that aims to make it easier to find information about, and thereby diagnose, rare diseases. OpenAI’s GPT API is an innovative deep-learning tool that uses artificial…

AAN 2023: Children reaching motor milestones 10 years after Upstaza

Children with aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency are continuing to experience motor function gains up to 10 years after receiving a single dose of PTC Therapeutics’ gene therapy Upstaza (eladocagene exuparvovec), new clinical trial data show. Alexis Russell, PTC’s senior medical director, discussed the findings during…

Great Plains summit to focus on rare neurodevelopmental disorders

The Sanford CoRDS 13th Annual Great Plains Rare Disease Summit will focus on rare neurodevelopmental disorders such as aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency. The event, hosted by Sanford Research, will be held May 11-12 virtually and in person in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and feature presentations by…