News

Eurordis, a Paris-based coalition of national rare disease associations across Europe, hosted its first all-virtual conference, bringing some 1,500 delegates from 57 countries together online during the COVID-19 pandemic. The 10th European Conference on Rare Diseases & Orphan Products (ECRD2020) — which was set for May 14–15 in…

Mutations in nine genes associated with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 2 (CMT2) generally lead to similar deficits in muscle structure and function, as well as in motor neuron and muscle cell communication, a study in worms suggested. This work sheds light on the function of each gene associated with CMT2,…

The Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network (RDCRN) has opened an online survey to better understand how the COVID-19 outbreak is affecting people with rare diseases, their families, and caregivers. Survey questions cover a patient’s physical and mental health, supply of treatments, and access to healthcare, among other…

A yeast model could be used to assess the biological consequences of mutations in the GDAP1  gene, which can cause Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 4A (CMT4A). The model was described in “Pathogenic Effect of GDAP1 Gene Mutations in a Yeast Model,” a study published in the journal Genes.

FFF Enterprises and Bionews announced today that both rare and orphan disease advocates are joining forces to provide patients with resources to help them connect as a community and continue to manage their health during this time when many are finding themselves alone. Recognized as the nation’s leading supplier of…

While there are few silver linings to the cloud created by COVID-19, the pandemic that has killed tens of thousands, hobbled economies worldwide and drove millions to quarantine in their homes, one may be a new appreciation of telemedicine. “If something good could come out of this crisis, it’s that…

The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) has opened a financial assistance program for people in rare disease community who are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S. Called the NORD COVID-19 Critical Relief Program, the effort will provide up to $1,000 annually to those eligible to…

A larger-than-normal version of myelin protein zero is associated with damage to myelin — the protective sheath covering nerve fibers — and may underlie the development of Charcot–Marie–Tooth (CMT) disease, a study in mice found. The study “Upregulation of large myelin protein zero leads to Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease-like…

Muscle wasting and nerve conduction deficits are not associated with alterations in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and hand function in people with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1A (CMT1A), a new study suggests. Still, the findings also indicated the importance of assessing changes in hand function as early as possible…

First, the bad news: If you’re one of the 30 million or so Americans with a rare disease, you probably have lower immunity to the novel coronavirus than most people. Now, the good news: You already know how to face loneliness and adversity — qualities that make you far stronger…