News

Months after a Federal Court of Appeal of Canada decision restored the availability of the Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) treatment Ruzurgi (amifampridine) in that country, the therapy is now covered by most provincial and federal public health programs and by many private insurance plans through special authorization. Overall, coverage…

It can take as long as nine years for doctors to be able to detect a small cell lung cancer (SCLC) in people with Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS), as evidenced by a new case report from Italy. The report describes a man, 61, who was tested every six months…

Delaware’s lieutenant governor, Bethany Hall-Long, PhD, is applauding the passage in the state House of Representatives of a measure that would create the state’s first Rare Disease Advisory Council (RDAC). The legislation would establish an advisory body for state residents who have a rare disease, such as Lambert-Eaton myasthenic…

Proposed policy changes that would let Medicare set prices for therapies earlier could result in fewer new medicines being approved over the next decade and rare diseases like Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) may be among the most affected. That’s according to an analysis from Vital Transformation, whose clients…

Most adults in the general public in Japan support using public funds to help cover the costs of treatment for people with rare diseases, according to a recent study. The study, “General public’s understanding of rare diseases and their opinions on medical resource allocation in Japan: a…

The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) is applauding the recent deal to raise the debt ceiling in the U.S., which would protect access to insurance for people with rare diseases like Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS). However, NORD has raised concerns that the debt ceiling bill (HR…

People with Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) should be cautious when taking Firdapse (amifampridine) together with acetaminophen, a common over-the-counter pain killer and fever reducer, to avoid unwanted interactions that could compromise how safe Firdapse is and how well it works, a study in rats suggests. The study, “…

Legislators in Maryland have officially established a Rare Disease Advisory Council (RDAC) in the state. The new council will bring together stakeholders from the community of people with rare diseases such as Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS), including patients, caregivers, scientists, and healthcare providers. The council will serve to educate…

Catalyst Pharmaceuticals is on track to submit an application requesting an increase to the maximum recommended daily dose of Firdapse (amifampridine) — its approved treatment for Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) — from 80 to 100 mg. Currently, the maximum daily dosage of Firdapse is 80 mg for…

The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) has selected nine new Rare Disease Centers of Excellence, bringing to 40 the total number of medical centers that are part of its network. This unique network of medical centers, clinics, and institutes seeks to expand access to multi-specialty care for…