News

A chest MRI can be used to detect early signs of respiratory muscle weakness in people with Pompe disease, even when lung function is still within a normal range, a study reported. According to its investigators, the findings highlight the importance of these imaging tests to rapidly identify patients…

Newly developed nerve cells derived from patients could be used as a model to study neurological involvement in Pompe disease and test potential therapies, a study reports. Notably, data from these models suggested that a combination of two molecules, which was previously shown to have beneficial effects in models of…

The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) is seeking individuals willing to share real-life experiences with rare diseases to speak at its upcoming virtual Living Rare, Living Stronger NORD Patient and Family Forum. The interactive, patient-focused forum will be held online June 26-27. The deadline to apply for…

Deferoxamine, a medication normally used to remove excess iron and aluminum from the body, can counteract the effects of a disease-causing genetic variant often found in people with late-onset Pompe disease (LOPD). These findings highlight the potential of drug repurposing for the development of new therapies for LOPD,…

Patient-reported outcomes — particularly those related to general physical and arm function — effectively reflect disease severity in people with late-onset Pompe disease as assessed with validated clinical measures, a study suggests. Selected outcomes, part of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS), were found to represent the…

A CRISPR gene-editing approach was used to correct two distinct Pompe disease mutations and to develop computer simulations for optimizing gene therapies. These computer models may help scientists develop and test gene-editing strategies for diseases, such as Pompe, that are polygenic, or caused by more…

To empower and equip members of the rare disease community to engage state leaders in matters of importance to patients and their families, the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) has launched an initiative across the U.S. Its goal is to establish a Rare Disease Advisory Council (RDAC)…

Amicus Therapeutics is seeking U.S. approval of AT-GAA, its investigational therapy for late-onset Pompe disease. The company has begun a rolling submission of a biologics license application (BLA) to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This allows Amicus to submit individual sections of the application as soon they are…

The first wave of COVID-19 in Europe severely disrupted access to care and raised stress and anxiety in people with rare diseases, negatively affecting their health and well-being, according to a survey conducted by Eurordis-Rare Diseases Europe. “People living with rare diseases in Europe have found themselves caught as collateral…

Sanofi Genzyme‘s application requesting the approval of avalglucosidase alfa, an investigational enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) for Pompe disease, was accepted and place under priority review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). An agency decision on this next-generation ERT is expected on May 18, 2021, Sanofi…