News

Plasma exchange therapy eased the symptoms of a man with Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) who tested negative for disease-related autoantibodies, according to a case series study. Researchers noted that a diagnosis of LEMS often relies on the presence of autoantibodies — immune proteins that mistakenly target a…

The Inflation Reduction Act, a large bill designed to tackle healthcare costs as well as climate change and inflation, was passed by the U.S. Congress and awaits the president’s signature this afternoon, making it law. In a recent statement, the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) highlighted that some…

Patients diagnosed with Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) with no identifiable cause should be continuously followed for signs of cancer, according to a recent case report. The researchers’ suggestion was supported by the case of a 64-year-old man who was diagnosed with LEMS at their clinic, and in whom lung…

Misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis are common among people with lung cancer-associated Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS), according to a small study in China. Most patients showed signs of LEMS before their lung cancer diagnosis — such as muscle weakness and problems in the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary functions such as…

A total of 30 patient advocacy groups working to further understanding and the needs of people living with rare diseases have been selected to receive a Horizon Therapeutics‘ #RAREis Global Advocate Grant. Winners of this year’s inaugural awards are spread across nine countries and represent a total of 29 rare…

In a deal that ends a three-year U.S. court battle over patent infringement claims for Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) medications, Catalyst Pharmaceuticals will acquire the rights to the LEMS therapy Ruzurgi. Catalyst announced it has reached a settlement with Jacobus Pharmaceutical and PANTHERx Rare on its patent…

Note: This story was updated July 13, 2022, to correct the name of Rare-X’s CEO Charlene Son Rigby. Nonprofits, scientists, governmental organizations, and the rare disease drug development industry have long cited 7,000 as the average number of rare diseases in the world.

Sessions advocating for increased access to treatment for rare diseases, and the need for greater equity, were some of the featured highlights of the NORD “Living Rare, Living Stronger Patient and Family Forum.” Other key takeaways from the forum — hosted by the National Organization for Rare Disorders, known…

A company called Vibe Biotechnology has launched to build a community of patients, scientists, and other partners to find cures for rare diseases like Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS). “The challenge for rare diseases isn’t necessarily finding a treatment — it’s funding it,” Alok Tayi, PhD, co-founder and CEO of…

Legislation to create a Rare Disease Advisory Council (RDAC) in Colorado has passed the state’s Senate and House and was recently signed into law by Gov. Jared Polis, making “the Centennial State” the 24th U.S. state to establish such a council and the 10th since the beginning of 2021. RDACs…