News

European Initiative Targets Diagnosis, Treatment of Rare Diseases

A new international consortium based in Paris, and funded largely by the 28-member European Union, intends to speed the diagnosis of rare diseases, while also accelerating the development of treatments for the 95% of such illnesses that currently don’t have one. The European Joint Programme on Rare Diseases (EJP…

New Lab Model Could Shed Light on Mitochondrial Epilepsy and Therapies

Researchers have created the first laboratory model of epilepsy caused by mitochondrial disorders with the potential to improve scientists’ understanding of how this condition unfolds and to develop therapies to combat it. Until now, no animal models were available to study this severe form of epilepsy, but this new…

NORD Honors Industry, Patient Advocates at Rare Impact Awards Gala

A violinist with vasculitis, two Texas politicians and a pharmaceutical company whose marijuana-derived therapy helps kids with Dravet syndrome were among winners of the 2019 Rare Impact Awards. Officials of the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) presented the awards during a June 22 dinner attended by…

Eurordis Unveils Integrated-care Initiative for Rare Disease Patients

Europe’s umbrella organization for 800 rare disease associations has developed a sweeping initiative to help the continent’s 30 million rare disease patients and their caregivers learn about their conditions, find assistance and receive treatment. Eurordis-Rare Diseases Europe hopes to improve the current piecemeal treatment and support program with a holistic,…