News

New Data-sharing Program Aims to Speed Innovation in Rare Diseases

A new U.S. initiative called Rare Disease Cures Accelerator–Data and Analytics Platform — dubbed RDCA–DAP — aims to accelerate treatment innovation across rare diseases by sharing existing patient data and promoting the standardization of new data collection. Launched during a virtual workshop in September, the U.S. Food and Drug…

Planned 2022 Clinical Trial Will Test LP352 in Reducing Seizures

Longboard Pharmaceuticals is planning to launch a Phase 1b/2a clinical trial early next year that will evaluate the company’s investigational therapy LP352 in adults with Dravet syndrome and other types of developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs). The trial will test the therapy’s effectiveness in lessening seizures in patients…

New Institute Aims to Leave No Rare Disease Patient Behind

A newly launched non-profit institute is seeking to advance research, and the development of new therapies, for people with rare diseases — a patient community with some of the largest therapeutic needs, but one that is often left behind. Named the Institute for Life Changing Medicines, the project was…

Group Focuses on Rare Disease Clinical Trial Participation

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…

Register Now for Global Genes’ RARE Patient Advocacy Summit

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…

New Program Supports Siblings of Rare Epilepsy Patients

Siblings of children with Dravet syndrome often grow up “in an environment permeated by stress, anxiety, and fear for their loved one’s well-being,” according to the biopharmaceutical company Zogenix. Now, a new online resource is available to help support the brothers and sisters of patients with severe rare epilepsies.