Football and science seem to be disparate fields of play at first glance, but the nonprofit Uplifting Athletes is finding common ground by leveraging the popularity of college gridiron games to fund research for rare diseases. Its nearly two dozen chapters — representing college football teams across the nation…
News
A new mutation found in the CTSD gene does not associate with the rare CLN10 form of Batten disease, despite occurring in a girl in China with CLN10-like symptoms, according to the results of a recent case report. Nonetheless, the discovery of this new mutation “has significance” and will…
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…
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)…
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…
A natural history study in people with CLN7 disease is now fully enrolled, but patients with CLN5 disease — each a form of late-infantile Batten disease, and both are in this study — are still needed, Neurogene, which is sponsoring the research, announced. The study (NCT03822650), underway at…
The National Organization for Rare Disorders, known as NORD, was named an official charity partner of the 2021 TCS New York City Marathon, which will be held Nov. 7 both in-person and online. “Supporting charitable causes and organizations are a long-standing tradition of the TCS New York City…
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…
The National Alliance for Caregiving, in partnership with Global Genes, has issued a free guidebook, available online, that offers resources and support for caregivers of children with rare diseases. “The Circle of Care Guidebook for Caregivers of Children With Rare and/or Serious Illnesses” was designed…
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…
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