Research

Four new mutations in the GAA gene have been identified in a group of people with late-onset Pompe disease (LOPD), according to a study in Spain. The study “Genotype–phenotype correlation of 17 cases of Pompe disease in Spanish patients and identification of 4 novel GAA variants” was published in the Orphanet…

At its first virtual investor event, biotech company Centogene set a bold mission: to cure 100 rare diseases within the next decade. A leader in the field of genetic diagnostics, Centogene used the June 22 event to present its strategic priorities, outlining its plans to speed the discovery…

The type of genetic mutation carried by a Pompe disease patient appears to predict whether the disease is infantile- or late-onset, according to a study. However, newly diagnosed patients should still undergo complete genetic, cardiac, and neurological tests, scientists stated. The study, “Phenotypic implications of pathogenic…

To help patient advocacy leaders and their partners better understand how global health statistics codes — known as ICD codes — are assigned, updated, and revised in the U.S. health information system, the EveryLife Foundation for Rare Diseases is presenting a first-of-its-kind resource guide. The foundation created the…

Strength training exercises did not aggravate muscle damage in people with late-onset Pompe disease (LOPD), although patients with significant changes in certain markers of muscle damage should be monitored while determining their best training regime. This result comes from the study “Muscle damage in response to a…

Walking distance improved in late-onset Pompe disease patients on enzyme replacement therapy (ERT), while their lung function and muscle strength remained unchanged, a meta-analysis has found. More studies are, however, needed to confirm these findings and “to obtain more…

The number of people with Pompe disease varies according to ethnic group and may be higher among all ethnicities than previously estimated, a study suggests. According to the investigator, the study stresses the importance of analyzing genetic disorders in the general population to improve predictive and preventive medicine. “With this…

Amicus Therapeutics anticipates completing a rolling application by mid-year to seek approval of its investigational therapy AT-GAA for late-onset Pompe disease in the U.S. The announcement follows a pre-filing meeting with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The rolling biologics license application (BLA), initiated in…

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has extended by three months its review of Sanofi Genzyme‘s application seeking approval of avalglucosidase alfa, its next-generation enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) for Pompe disease. The date for an agency decision regarding approval, previously set for May 18, is now Aug. 18. “Sanofi…

Fat replacement of back, abdominal, and trunk muscles in late-onset Pompe disease (LOPD) correlates with diaphragm weakness and worsening respiratory function, a long-term clinical study has determined. “These results suggest that identification of fat replacement in these areas … should…