Desensitization regimen can help manage anaphylaxis to Myozyme

Anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction, occurred in nearly one-third of children with Pompe disease treated with the enzyme replacement therapy Myozyme (alglucosidase alfa) in a small study. However, rapid desensitization regimens — using small doses initially and then increasing the doses — safely re-established tolerance to Myozyme in…

Nexviadyme, next-gen ERT for Pompe, now available through NHS

Nexviadyme, (avalglucosidase alfa), Sanofi’s next-generation enzyme replacement therapy for Pompe disease, will now be available in the U.K. through the National Health Service (NHS). That’s according to a review from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence that deemed Nexviadyme as an option for treating people —…

Stem Cell Gene Therapy Blocks Anti-GAA Immune Response in Mice

Administrating a stem cell gene therapy before beginning enzyme-replacement therapy (ERT) prevented the development of antibodies against the acid alpha-glucosidase (GAA) enzyme, improved survival, and enhanced therapeutic benefits in a mouse model of Pompe disease, a recent study found. “Together, this study indicates that [stem cell] gene therapy induces…

Enlarged Tongue Leads to Severe Symptoms in Elderly LOPD Patients

Macroglossia, or an abnormally enlarged tongue, caused difficulty swallowing, speech abnormalities, and reduced breathing during sleep for five people with late-onset Pompe disease (LOPD), according to a recent French study. Treatment with enzyme-replacement therapy (ERT), a standard of care for Pompe patients, did not alleviate the debilitating symptoms,…

Muscle Function Improves With Resistance Exercise Program: Study

A program of supervised resistance exercise can improve muscle function — including in muscles needed to breathe — for adults with late onset Pompe disease (LOPD), a small study suggests. “Our findings encourage use of supervised exercise and inspiratory muscle training for improving physical function and health to improve…