Nystagmus, a condition in which the eyes move rapidly and uncontrollably, may be a feature of infantile-onset Pompe disease, a new case report suggests. The report, “Nystagmus in Infantile Pompe Disease: a new feature?” was published in the journal Acta Bio Medica. Pompe…
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The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)’s RareLaunch training program will host two days of free virtual workshops in December, with the aim of empowering leaders to start non-profit organizations and research programs to help people with rare diseases. “The RareLaunch program is central to NORD’s mission and history — community…
Whole-body MRI found that a muscle in the shin is affected early on in children with either infantile or late-onset Pompe disease, a study shows. Such findings suggest earlier deterioration of this muscle, called tibialis anterior, in patients with more severe forms…
Bayer reached an agreement to acquire Asklepios BioPharmaceutical (AskBio), including its clinical program of ACT-101, an experimental one-time gene therapy for late-onset Pompe disease. AskBio, which will remain an independent entity, has a portfolio that comprises early and clinical stage gene therapies to treat neuromuscular,…
A photo of a bespectacled young boy, his red baseball cap slightly askew as he enjoys time outside, will be featured on the front cover of an upcoming calendar in the “Same But Different” contest to raise awareness about rare disorders. “A Lovely Day Out in Kew Gardens,”…
Scientists have created a new mouse model of Pompe disease that displays the severe respiratory impairments experienced by many patients but were never observed in other animal models of the disorder. Using this more stringent model, investigators also demonstrated the therapeutic potential of a new form of gene…
A majority of rare disease patients using telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic thought the experience positive, and many would like the option of continuing its use in future appointments, a series of surveys found. The surveys were conducted by the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) and involved more than 800…
Children with classic infantile Pompe disease treated for years with Myozyme (alglucosidase alfa, marketed as Lumizyme in the U.S) exhibit muscle weakness in their lower legs, feet, and hands in addition to the proximal muscle weakness that typifies late-onset Pompe,…
Same But Different, a nonprofit U.K. group that uses art for social change, is inviting people to choose their favorite photographs in a calendar contest to heighten awareness of rare diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The organization’s panel of judges has pared the number of contest submissions…
The European Medicines Agency agreed to begin reviewing Sanofi Genzyme’s application requesting the approval of avalglucosidase alfa, its investigational enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) for people with Pompe disease. According to a press release, a regulatory decision is expected in the second half of 2021, and if…