News

New Institute Aims to Leave No Rare Disease Patient Behind

A newly launched non-profit institute is seeking to advance research, and the development of new therapies, for people with rare diseases — a patient community with some of the largest therapeutic needs, but one that is often left behind. Named the Institute for Life Changing Medicines, the project was…

FDA OKs Trial of NGN-101 Gene Therapy in CLN5 Patients

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared Neurogene’s request to conduct a Phase 1/2 clinical trial to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of NGN-101, an investigational gene therapy to treat CLN5, a form of late-infantile Batten disease. The therapy uses a harmless adeno-associated virus (AAV)…

Group Focuses on Rare Disease Clinical Trial Participation

Participation in clinical trials exposes rare disease patients to financial, physical, and emotional pressures, according to the results of a patient focus group series. “Rare disease trial participants are running an endurance race they are highly motivated to complete, but these incremental burdens negatively impact their ability or willingness to…

Register Now for Global Genes’ RARE Patient Advocacy Summit

Registration is now open for Global Genes‘ 2021 RARE Patient Advocacy Summit. This year’s hybrid event will be livestreamed from California Sept. 27-29, and some seats also are available for attending the event in person in San Diego. “Here you’ll have the opportunity to connect and engage with…

Twins’ Different Symptoms Complicate Diagnosis

Juvenile Batten disease is difficult to diagnose promptly and accurately, as demonstrated by the case of twin girls with different symptoms of the same disorder. The case suggests that a referral to a specialist should be made when a patient’s clinical picture doesn’t line up with their history, or…

NORD Rare Disease Summit, Online Oct. 18-19, Open for Registration

Registration is now open for the 2021 Rare Diseases and Orphan Products Breakthrough Summit, which will be held virtually Oct. 18–19. The event, also known as the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) Summit, brings the rare disease community together to network and discuss developments in treatments and research…

Advocates Lobby US Congress During Virtual Rare Disease Week

More than 600 people participated in the 10th annual Rare Disease Week on Capitol Hill 2021, held virtually July 14–22, to advocate for the rare disease community. Hosted by the EveryLife Foundation’s Rare Disease Legislative Advocates (RDLA) program, the event brings together community members from across the U.S. to…