News

People with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) treated with the immune-based cancer therapy atezolizumab are at an increased risk of developing Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS), according to a database analysis of adverse events. The analysis was detailed in a study, “Increased risk of Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS)…

A possible first case of a man with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) developing Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) after being treated with Tecentriq (atezolizumab) has been reported in Pennsylvania. This case adds to prior evidence linking the use of Tecentriq, as well as the immunotherapies Opdivo and…

The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) is leading an effort by organizations representing or treating people with rare diseases, all calling on federal lawmakers to include key U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) programs and reforms in a year-end spending bill. A letter written by NORD and signed by 126…

Catalyst Pharmaceuticals earned $57.2 million in the third quarter of 2022 from sales of Firdapse (amifampridine), its treatment for Lambert-Eaton myasthenia syndrome (LEMS). According to Catalyst, this represents an all-time high net revenue from Firdapse, a 59.3% year-over-year increase and a gain of 7.8% compared with the…

Catalyst Pharmaceuticals has been named BioFlorida’s David J. Gury Company of the Year for its breakthrough Lambert-Eaton myasthenia syndrome (LEMS) treatment Firdapse (amifampridine). BioFlorida, which represents Florida’s life sciences industry, recognizes a single company each year for significant milestones and achievements that advance life sciences in the…

Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) arose in association with a rare type of aggressive skin cancer called Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), a case study reported for the first time. The patient was successfully treated with a combination of radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, which may be a suitable strategy for those…

Recently updated criteria to identify cancer-associated diseases like Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) are highly specific and sensitive at detecting these conditions, a recent study reports. The study, “Real-world application of the updated diagnostic criteria for paraneoplastic neurological syndromes,” was published in the Journal of Neuroimmunology.

The U.S. Congress has passed five-year extensions for several user fee programs of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), as part of legislation that will keep the government funded through December. The move was welcomed by the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD), which stated these programs…

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has expanded its approval of Firdapse (amifampridine) to cover pediatric patients, its maker Catalyst Pharmaceuticals announced. This means the therapy is approved in the U.S. to treat people with Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) ages 6 and older. “We are very pleased…

Repeated testing of electrical signaling in muscles before and after exercise is a key test for diagnosing Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS), a new case report highlights. The case was discussed at the 32nd International Congress of Clinical Neurophysiology (ICCN) of the IFCN, Sept. 4–8 in Geneva, Switzerland, in a…