News

A dietary supplement meant to mimic the effects of a ketogenic diet — known to reduce seizure frequency in patients with Angelman syndrome — was well-tolerated by children with the neurological disorder, according to data from a small clinical trial. The trial met its primary goal of assessing the…

Participation in clinical trials exposes rare disease patients to financial, physical, and emotional pressures, according to the results of a patient focus group series. “Rare disease trial participants are running an endurance race they are highly motivated to complete, but these incremental burdens negatively impact their ability or willingness to…

A professor at the University of California (UC) Davis Health has been awarded a $1.36 million Discovery Stage Research Projects (DISC2) grant to develop a gene therapy for Angelman syndrome, according to a university press release. David Segal, PhD, a professor in the departments of biochemistry and molecular…

The National Organization for Rare Disorders, known as NORD, was named an official charity partner of the 2021 TCS New York City Marathon, which will be held Nov. 7 both in-person and online. “Supporting charitable causes and organizations are a long-standing tradition of the TCS New York City…

The total cost of raising a child with Angelman syndrome (AS) is almost $100,000 AUD — more than $70,000 USD — per year, according to an Australian study. The data suggest that, in Angelman and other conditions that cause intellectual abnormalities, less-severe cognitive impairment is associated with less costs.

The National Alliance for Caregiving, in partnership with Global Genes, has issued a free guidebook, available online, that offers resources and support for caregivers of children with rare diseases. “The Circle of Care Guidebook for Caregivers of Children With Rare and/or Serious Illnesses” was designed…

Registration is now open for Global Genes‘ 2021 RARE Patient Advocacy Summit. This year’s hybrid event will be livestreamed from California Sept. 27-29, and some seats also are available for attending the event in person in San Diego. “Here you’ll have the opportunity to connect and engage with others…

Registration is now open for the 2021 Rare Diseases and Orphan Products Breakthrough Summit, which will be held virtually Oct. 18–19. The event, also known as the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) Summit, brings the rare disease community together to network and discuss developments in treatments and research…

Researchers have reported the case of a teenager with Angelman syndrome (AS) in Brazil who developed severe COVID-19 but recovered after nearly three weeks in intensive care. This is the first published report of COVID-19 in a person with Angelman, according to the investigators. While it is impossible to…

More than 600 people participated in the 10th annual Rare Disease Week on Capitol Hill 2021, held virtually July 14–22, to advocate for the rare disease community. Hosted by the EveryLife Foundation’s Rare Disease Legislative Advocates (RDLA) program, the event brings together community members from across the U.S. to…