Research

Throughout 2023, Pompe Disease News brought you coverage of the latest developments in research into Pompe disease and clinical trials of potential new treatments. Here is a list of the 10 most-read stories we published across that year. We hope to continue being a source of information…

The COVID-19 pandemic affected the treatment, as well as the physical and mental health, of people with Pompe disease, according to a recent survey of patients in 25 countries. More than 50% of respondents reported interruptions in enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) and physical therapy, affecting their disease, and…

Pompe disease is less prevalent than expected in Spain, at around 3.1 cases per million inhabitants, according to a registry study that identified regional differences in prevalence, as well as the variable diagnosis and care workouts. “Our data supports the development of agreed guidelines to ensure that the care…

Mitochondria dysfunction is linked to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy — when the heart becomes enlarged and cannot pump blood efficiently — in people with Pompe disease, according to a new study from China. The disease-causing mechanisms were explored in a patient-derived heart cell model with characteristics of Pompe disease, including low…

A stem-cell based gene therapy that’s modified for better entry into muscle cells was seen to normalize protein levels in the skeletal muscle tissue of a mouse model of Pompe disease, according to a new report. The Pompe mice exhibited altered levels of hundreds of proteins — including ones…

A man with late-onset Pompe disease (LOPD) was initially misdiagnosed with an inflammatory muscle disease called polymyositis, according to a case study highlighting the need to incorporate imaging tests in clinical practice to reduce the delay in diagnosis and treatment. After medication failed to improve his muscle strength, the…

Staying physically active according to the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines and engaging in a personalized exercise program can significantly improve the physical well-being of adults with late-onset Pompe disease, a small study found. Moreover, regular physical activity was seen to delay disease progression among the study’s participants. “Endurance,…

Nearly 1 in 4 adults with late-onset Pompe disease develop high levels of antibodies against enzyme replacement therapy (ERT). However, that does not mean they have a reduced response to treatment, a systematic review study has revealed. The findings are in line with previous data from patients with…

While it is not very common, adults with late-onset Pompe disease (LOPD) may go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, even if they show symptoms or signs suggestive of the disease, a study from Spain has found. Dried blood spots — a form of sampling where a drop of blood is blotted…

Adding the enzyme stabilizer miglustat did not improve the effectiveness of Lumizyme (alglucosidase alfa) or Nexviazyme (avalglucosidase alfa) in a mouse model of Pompe disease, a new study reports. “These data demonstrate that co-administration of miglustat with either [Lumizyme or Nexviazyme] to Pompe mice provides no additional…