Posts by: Forest Ray PhD

Forest Ray PhD

Forest Ray received his PhD in systems biology from Columbia University, where he developed tools to match drug side effects to other diseases. He has since worked as a journalist and science writer, covering topics from rare diseases to the intersection between environmental science and social justice. He currently lives in Long Beach, California.

February 3, 2021February 3, 2021

First Patient Dosed in Gene Therapy Trial for LOPD

News

Spark Therapeutics has dosed the first patient in the Phase 1/2 RESOLUTE clinical trial of SPK-3006, an experimental gene therapy for people with late-onset Pompe disease (LOPD). “Dosing the first ... Read more

January 25, 2021January 25, 2021

COVID-19 Vaccines Pose Little Risk to Rare Disease Patients, FDA, CDC Say

News, syndicated

The two COVID-19 vaccines that recently received emergency approval from the U.S. and other worldwide regulatory agencies are expected to pose little risk to the rare disease community, including to ... Read more

September 3, 2020September 3, 2020

Same But Different Photo Contest Celebrates People With Rare Diseases

News, syndicated

Same But Different, a U.K. nonprofit that uses the arts to bring communities together, is holding a calendar photography competition to raise awareness for rare diseases. Under the theme “A ... Read more

August 26, 2020August 26, 2020

Amicus on Track to Meet Milestones for AT-GAA, Other Therapies

News

Amicus Therapeutics remains on track to announce top-line data from PROPEL — a Phase 3 trial of AT-GAA for the treatment of late-onset Pompe disease — in the first half of 2021, and ... Read more

August 26, 2020August 26, 2020

Xperiome Platform Aims to Streamline Searches for Rare Diseases, Gain Patient Input

News, syndicated

Raremark, an online rare disease patient community, has launched a digital platform called Xperiome, aimed at streamlining the search for new medicines for rare disorders and incorporating more patient input ... Read more

August 12, 2020August 12, 2020

Exercise Plus High-Protein Diet May Benefit LOPD Patients on Lumizyme

News

Combining exercise training with a high-protein diet improves exercise tolerance, pulmonary function, and quality of life among late-onset Pompe disease (LOPD) patients taking Lumizyme (alglucosidase alfa) for years, a small ... Read more

July 22, 2020July 22, 2020

European Study: Myozyme Improves Walking, Respiratory Function in Adults With Pompe

News

Treatment with Myozyme (alglucosidase alfa, marketed as Lumizyme in the U.S.) improves walking ability and may stabilize respiratory function in adults with Pompe disease during the first three years of treatment, according to a recent ... Read more

July 10, 2020July 10, 2020

National Survey Seeks to Assess Full Social, Economic Burdens of Rare Diseases in US

News, syndicated

The EveryLife Foundation for Rare Diseases has launched a nationwide National Burden of Rare Disease Survey to measure the full implications, economic and social, of living with rare disease in ... Read more

June 22, 2020July 28, 2020

Alexion Charitable Foundation Giving $1.1M to Assist Rare Disease Community During Pandemic

News, syndicated

The Alexion Charitable Foundation has awarded $1.1 million in grants to programs that support those with rare diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization recently announced. The grants will support ... Read more

June 9, 2020June 10, 2020

Coalition Will Address Racial Disparities in Rare Disease Communities

News

The Black Women’s Health Imperative (BWHI) recently created a Rare Disease Diversity Coalition focused on reducing racial disparities in the rare disease community. Getting a timely and accurate diagnosis for ... Read more