News

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…

Leaders in the U.S. rare disease community came together recently for a webinar to present helpful information on how to start a nonprofit and patient registry. They shared about how their respective organizations came to be, as well as the benefits of creating patient registries and how they can help…

AVR-RD-03, Avrobio‘s investigational gene therapy for classic infantile-onset Pompe disease, was found to reduce toxic glycogen accumulations to healthy levels in a mouse model of Pompe. These results, presented during an Avrobio Virtual R&D Day…

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…

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…