Jessica Lynn has an educational background in writing and marketing. She firmly believes in the power of writing in amplifying voices, and looks forward to doing so for the rare disease community.
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Rare Community Profiles Rare Community Profiles is a new Patient Worthy article series of long-form interviews featuring various stakeholders in the rare disease community, such as patients, their families,…
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Rare Community Profiles: PKD Foundation and IQVIA Partner to Create Next-Gen ADPKD Registry
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Prior to the end of March 2023, ganaxolone had received six separate Orphan Drug designations from the FDA; more recently, as shared in a news release from commercial-stage pharmaceutical…
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FDA Grants Orphan Drug Designation to Ganaxolone for Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome
Medical research is incredibly important, especially within the rare disease community. Rare conditions tend to be under-researched and under-funded; this can make it difficult not only to better learn…
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MDA Announces Research Grants for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
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In the past, there has been limited research exploring the presentation of melanoma in Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs). Recent research has sought to explore this relationship and…
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Acral Lentiginous Melanoma (ALM) Rates Higher in Southeast Asian Individuals than Other Asian Groups
In 2022, only around 63 cases of ECHS1, an ultra-rare metabolic disorder, were reported around the globe. A study published in the Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology in 2015…
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“Ride for Hope” Supports Siblings with ECHS1
What is the actual prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) on a local, national, and global scale? While this question may seem straightforward, the answer is not. An estimated 33% of…
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Atrial Fibrillation May Be Significantly Underdiagnosed
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Rare Community Profiles Rare Community Profiles is a new Patient Worthy article series of long-form interviews featuring various stakeholders in the rare disease community, such as patients, their…
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Rare Community Profiles: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Opens 45,000 Square Foot “Family Commons” to Support and Offer Comfort to Families
Drug development within the rare disease space can be tricky. In many cases, there is a general lack of research and understanding around these conditions; as a result, many…
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FDA Grants Orphan Drug Designation to DYNE-251 for DMD
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In 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) examined the potential of approving palovarotene, a selective RARγ agonist, for the treatment of fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP). However, the FDA…
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Ipsen Pushes for FDA Approval of Palovarotene for FOP
In 2014, Adam Tate was a college student who was working as a scout leader. One day, he went on a trip with some others to go ziplining. However, his…
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A Freak Ziplining Accident Led to His Fahr’s Syndrome Diagnosis
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The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) recently held its MDA Clinical & Scientific Conference in March 2023. During the conference, stakeholders in the community discussed research trends and clinical practices associated…
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MDA Clinical & Scientific Conference: Givinostat Improves Physical Function and Mobility in DMD
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In November 2022, the UK's Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) approved Upstaza (eladocagene exuparvovec) for the treatment of aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency. The product, which…
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NICE Guidance Recommends Upstaza for AADC Deficiency
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In 1956, Dr. C. Miller Fisher first described Miller Fisher syndrome after seeing three patients who presented with absent tendon reflexes, ataxia (impaired coordination), and eye muscle weakness. Eventually,…
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Have You Heard of Miller Fisher Syndrome?
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In the United States, the FDA grants Orphan Drug designation to drugs or biologics intended to diagnose, prevent, or treat rare conditions (those affecting fewer than 200,000 people in…
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Zagociguat for Mitochondrial Diseases Earns Orphan Drug Designation
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The 1980 World Series was a grand event for the Philadelphia Phillies. It was the last inning, and the Phillies were up by 3. With two players out and…
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Did Toxic Turf Cause 6 Former Phillies Players to Develop Glioblastoma?
The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) held its MDA Clinical & Scientific Conference from March 19-22, 2023 to share research, cutting-edge medical advancements, and clinical care practices within the muscular…
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4-Year Proof-of-Concept Data Validates SRP-9001 for DMD
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Albinism has not only been historically stigmatized, but has fueled superstition, misbeliefs, and discrimination in areas across the globe. For example, in certain areas, children with albinism may be…
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NGO Condemns Media that Continues to Stigmatize Albinism
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A mother knows best. In Kaitlyn Fryar's case, her intuition about her son Hudson led her to pursue help from numerous doctors. According to CBS Pittsburgh, Hudson seemed to…
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UPMC Launches TANGO2 Research to Help Families
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Ezri Care Artificial Tears, as well as nine other ophthalmologic brands that create artificial tears or eyedrops, have been linked to dangerous Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections in people across sixteen different…
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Eyedrops Recalled After P. Aeruginosa Infections Killed 3, Injured 65
An estimated 6,000-10,000 people within the United States are living with Rett syndrome. Prior to this month, these individuals have not had access to targeted treatment options. But this…
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FDA Approves Daybue (Trofinetide) for Rett Syndrome
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In many rare conditions, early diagnosis and treatment typically correspond with better outcomes. Prior to March 2023, LIVMARLI (maralixibat) was approved for the treatment of cholestatic pruritus related to Alagille…
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LIVMARLI Now Approved for Children with Alagille Syndrome as Young as 3 Months Old
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On March 9, 2023, Issues Concerning Athletes held its 13th Annual Celebrity Bartender Night at Wasted Grain in Scottsdale, AZ. Erica Brooks, the Founder of Issues Concerning Athletes, spearheaded the…
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MLB Players Bartend to Raise Funds for Amyloidosis Support Groups
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Rare Community Profiles Rare Community Profiles is a new Patient Worthy article series of long-form interviews featuring various stakeholders in the rare disease community, such as patients, their…
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Rare Community Profiles: How the #RAREis Global Advocate Grant Supported the E. WE Foundation: A Discussion with Sarita Edwards
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In many cases, babesiosis - a rare parasitic illness - is not fatal. Some individuals who are infected with babesiosis are even asymptomatic, meaning they don't show any symptoms.…
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An Uptick in Babesiosis Cases in the Northeast Has Some People Concerned
Xanthoma is an easy sign of high cholesterol conditions like HeFH. If you see this, please go to the doctor immediately! Source: Wikipedia
While there are existing therapies for individuals living with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH), a rare form of high LDL cholesterol, these therapies often fail to control cholesterol levels for…
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ICYMI: Evkeeza Now FDA-Approved for HoFH