News

OV101 (gaboxadol), designed to improve motor skills, cognition, and memory in people with Angelman syndrome, did not meet its primary goal (endpoint) in Ovid Therapeutics’ Phase 3 NEPTUNE clinical trial, according to top-line results. The…

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)…

A CRISPR-Cas9-based gene therapy designed to increase the production of ubiquitin protein ligase E3A (UBE3A) — the enzyme lacking in Angelman syndrome — partially or completely corrected physical and behavioral deficits in a mouse model of the disease. The effects of a single administration of the therapy, when delivered before birth, were…

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…

In-person social engagement is more important for fostering imitative behaviors in children with Angelman syndrome than in typically-developing children, a new study suggests. The study, “Imitation in Angelman syndrome: the role of social engagement,” was published in Scientific Reports. People with Angelman syndrome (AS) typically have abnormal…

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…

Use of GTX-102, GeneTx Biotherapeutics and Ultragenyx’s investigational therapy for Angelman syndrome, led to substantial improvements in disease symptoms among children and adolescents across several treatment areas — including behavior, communication, sleep, and gross and fine motor function — according to data from the…

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…

A photo of a bespectacled young boy, his red baseball cap slightly askew as he  enjoys time outside, will be featured on the front cover of an upcoming calendar in the “Same But Different” contest to raise awareness about rare disorders. “A Lovely Day Out in Kew Gardens,”…

A majority of rare disease patients using telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic thought the experience positive, and many would like the option of continuing its use in future appointments, a series of surveys found. The surveys were conducted by the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) and involved more than 800…