News

Japanese patients with Lambert‐Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) show long-term neurological improvements with treatment regardless of whether they also have small cell lung cancer (SCLC), researchers report. The study, “Long‐term prognosis of Japanese Lambert–Eaton myasthenic syndrome patients with or without small‐cell lung carcinoma,” was published in the journal Clinical…

Increments, or increases in nerve responses, greater than 60% in electromyography (EMG) recordings upon short periods of exercise are better at diagnosing Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) than the commonly used 100% increment, results from a recent study indicate. The study, “Lowering the…

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…

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…

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…

In a business update amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Catalyst Pharmaceuticals said it has ample supplies of Firdapse (amifampridine), its treatment for Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS). Besides having no known disruptions to Firdapse production, the company assured its treatment inventories will last at least through June 2021. Catalyst’s U.S.

A group of experts have provided a series of recommendations for people with myasthenia gravis (MG) and Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) who rely on immunosuppressants to help manage their condition during the COVID-19 outbreak. Their guidelines, titled “Guidance for the management of myasthenia…

Catalyst Pharmaceuticals says the COVID-19 pandemic is not likely to affect North American supplies of Firdapse (amifampridine), its Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) treatment. “We assure the LEMS community that we have product available and anticipate no disruptions to our manufacturing facilities, as they are all…

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…

The Living Rare, Living Stronger Patient and Family Forum, originally set for May 14–16 in Cleveland, Ohio, has been postponed until July 18–20 because of the coronavirus disease COVID-19 pandemic. The event’s sponsor, the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD),…