News

Rare Disease Therapy Developers Saw Investment Jump 28% in 2021

Investment in companies developing treatments for Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) and other rare diseases increased by 28% in 2021 compared with the previous year, according to a new report from the rare disease nonprofit Global Genes. “Rare diseases continue to have a strong allure to investors, as evidenced…

US Court Won’t Rehear Its Ruling Overturning Ruzurgi’s FDA Approval

A federal appeals court has denied Jacobus Pharmaceutical’s petition to rehear its prior ruling overturning the U.S. approval of the company’s Ruzurgi to treat children with Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS). The decision is a victory for Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, which sued the U.S. Food and Drug Administration over Ruzurgi’s approval…

Global Genes Welcomes Applicants for RARE Meet-Ups Impact Grants

Global Genes is accepting applications for its 2022 RARE Meet-Ups Impact Grant program, which provides funding for in-person meetings specifically tailored to better educate and assist patients, caregivers, and advocates for rare diseases like Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS). Funded meet-ups need to take place between April and November, the…

Prepare to Light Up Buildings for Rare Disease Day 2022

The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) asks Americans to plan ahead to participate in the Light Up for Rare campaign to raise awareness of rare diseases. NORD is the U.S. sponsor for Rare Disease Day on Feb. 28. The annual awareness day spotlights approximately 7,000…

LEMS Case Tied to Rare Subtype of Lung Cancer 

The recent case of a man with Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) linked to a rare type of lung tumor, shows the condition can arise in patients with types other than small cell lung cancer. The case report, “Pulmonary Large Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma Associated With Lambert-Eaton Syndrome,”…

Catalyst Will Seek FDA Approval of Firdapse for Children

Catalyst Pharmaceuticals plans to file an application with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requesting that the use of Firdapse (amifampridine), an approved oral therapy for adults with Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS), be expanded to children. The announcement came after the company received a favorable decision from…