Posts by: Marisa Wexler, MS

Marisa Wexler, MS

Marisa holds an MS in Cellular and Molecular Pathology from the University of Pittsburgh, where she studied novel genetic drivers of ovarian cancer. She specializes in cancer biology, immunology, and genetics. Marisa began working with BioNews in 2018, and has written about science and health for SelfHacked and the Genetics Society of America. She also writes/composes musicals and coaches the University of Pittsburgh fencing club.

November 5, 2020November 5, 2020

NORD Hosting ‘RareLaunch’ Workshops to Help Start Rare Disease Non-profits

News, syndicated

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 ... Read more

October 27, 2020October 27, 2020

Fintepla Led to ‘Profound’ Reduction in Seizure Frequency in Young Dravet Patients, Extension Study Shows

News

Long-term treatment with Fintepla can reduce the frequency of seizures in children and adolescents with Dravet syndrome, according to two-year interim data from an open-label extension study. Study findings were ... Read more

October 21, 2020October 20, 2020

Telehealth ‘Helpful’ Alternative to In-person Care, Rare Disease Patients Say

News, syndicated

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 ... Read more

October 13, 2020October 13, 2020

Eisai Begins Phase 3 Trial Testing Lorcaserin at Reducing Dravet Seizure Frequency

News

Following consultation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Eisai has initiated a Phase 3 clinical trial called MOMENTUM 1 to evaluate lorcaserin as a potential treatment for ... Read more

July 7, 2020July 7, 2020

UK Eases Restrictions on Epidyolex for Treating Epileptic Disorders

News

The United Kingdom Home Office has changed the classification of GW Pharmaceuticals‘ Epidyolex — a treatment for epileptic conditions including Dravet syndrome — from a Schedule 2 drug to a Schedule 5 ... Read more

May 26, 2020May 26, 2020

Enrollment to Start Later This Year in MONARCH Trial Testing STK-001 for Dravet

News

Stoke Therapeutics plans to begin enrollment later this year of Dravet syndrome patients for part A of its Phase 1/2a MONARCH trial to evaluate the investigational therapeutic STK-001, according ... Read more

April 28, 2020April 28, 2020

Heart Abnormalities Unlikely Behind Sudden Unexpected Deaths in Dravet, Study Says

News

Heart abnormalities are unlikely to be the reason behind the high rate of Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) in people with Dravet syndrome, a new study suggests, though ... Read more

April 21, 2020April 21, 2020

Artificial Intelligence May Speed up Epilepsy Diagnoses, Study Suggests

News

A newly developed artificial intelligence (AI) system could help expedite the diagnosis of epileptic conditions such as Dravet syndrome. The AI system was described in a study, titled “A ... Read more

January 28, 2020January 28, 2020

FDA Approves Valtoco Nasal Spray to Treat Seizure Clusters in Epilepsy Patients, 6 and Older

News

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Valtoco (diazepam nasal spray) as a rescue treatment for acute, repetitive seizures (seizure clusters) in people with epilepsy, ages 6 and older. “Cluster ... Read more

January 7, 2020January 7, 2020

U.K. Physicians Now Can Prescribe Epidyolex Cannabidiol Solution to Treat Dravet, LGS Patients

News

Since Jan. 6, physicians in England are able to prescribe the oral cannabidiol solution Epidyolex, in combination with clobazam, to treat persistent seizures in eligible people with Dravet syndrome and Lennox ... Read more