FDA CDC News

FDA Awards 19 Grants and Two Contracts Related to Rare Diseases, including ALS

U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced it has awarded 19 new grants and two new contracts totaling more than $38 million in funding over the next four years to support clinical trials, natural history studies and regulatory science tools related to rare diseases.

Published

2 years ago

October 17, 2022

Daily News Staff

Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced it has awarded 19 new grants and two new contracts totaling more than $38 million in funding over the next four years to support clinical trials, natural history studies and regulatory science tools related to rare diseases. These grants and contracts, which were funded by the FDA’s Orphan Products Grants Program, aim to advance the development of medical products to treat rare diseases. Several awards support the Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Act (ACT for ALS) which recently established the FDA Rare Neurodegenerative Disease Grant Program to promote medical product development for rare neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS.

“One of the greatest obstacles facing individuals who suffer from rare diseases is the limited treatment options currently available,” said FDA Commissioner Robert M. Califf, M.D. “Since the beginning of the Orphan Products Grants Program in 1983, it has facilitated the approval of more than 80 rare disease products. Through this and other efforts focused on rare diseases, the FDA continues to advance the development and evaluation of safe and effective medical products that help address patients’ unmet needs.”

The FDA received 33 clinical trial grant applications and awarded more than $25 million spread over the next four years to 11 clinical trials that support product development for rare disease treatments. Seven of the awards fund studies of rare cancers, mostly targeting cancers of the brain and peripheral nerves. Visit Orphan Products Grants (clinical trials) for more information.

Natural history studies look closely at how specific diseases progress over time. The FDA received 43 natural history grant applications and funded eight new grants totaling more than $11 million spread over the next four years for natural history studies that support innovative research to inform medical product development. Several studies seek to characterize certain subgroups within a disease, identify novel clinical outcome measures and biomarkers, which have the potential to improve the current standard of care and inform future drug development, including gene therapies. Visit Orphan Products Grants (natural history studies) for more information.

The Rare Neurodegenerative Disease Grant Program was established specifically for ALS and neurodegenerative conditions upon enactment of the ACT for ALS in December 2021. The ACT requires that the FDA award grants and contracts to public and private entities to cover costs of research on, and development of interventions intended to prevent, diagnose, mitigate, treat, or cure ALS and other rare neurodegenerative diseases in adults and children. Three of the natural history studies awarded by the FDA are related to rare neurodegenerative diseases including for ALS, Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1, and Ataxia-Telangiectasia. The study for ALS, partially funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has the potential to advance existing knowledge of the natural history of ALS, inform drug development and possibly support future regulatory decisions.

Additionally, the FDA funded two contracts related to rare neurodegenerative diseases. One contract, co-funded by NIH and the FDA, will study whether a physical assessment of ALS patients, typically done in a health care professional’s office, can be done remotely at home to minimize the burden on patients. This can ultimately lead to lower clinical trial costs and enable decentralized trials, where appropriate, improving access to trials for patients in rural areas and lower-resource healthcare settings.

The second contract is a landscape analysis of patient preference information (PPI) studies focused on brain-computer interface (BCI) devices. The FDA is specifically interested in BCI devices that communicate with the brain and provide patients, who are no longer able to speak or move, with the ability to interact with their families and health care professionals. The contract will review the literature to determine what is already known about BCI devices and PPI studies in ALS. In total, through collaborative efforts, the FDA and its partners were able to support nearly $6 million in research and science to advance the mission of the ACT for ALS Act. Visit Rare Neurodegenerative Disease Grant Program for more information about the contracts.

“These grants provide important funding to researchers who are working to develop better treatments for rare disease patients,” said Sandra Retzky, D.O., J.D., MPH, director of the FDA’s Office of Orphan Products Development (OOPD). “The contracts aim to advance treatment options for patients, help inform regulatory decision making, and promote diversity, equity and inclusion in clinical research. OOPD will continue to make investments in progressive studies to advance medical product development.”

Earlier this year, the FDA announced the agency’s Action Plan for Rare Neurodegenerative Diseases, including ALS – a five-year plan to further the development of safe and effective medical products and facilitate patient access to novel treatments. The plan was developed in accordance with the ACT for ALS Act. The FDA recently announced a call for comments on current funding needs in the rare neurodegenerative disease space that could be supported by grants from the Office of Orphan Products Development.

The FDA remains committed to supporting rare disease research by providing existing grantees with critical funding and encouraging innovative trial designs, collaborations among stakeholders, early and ongoing patient engagement, use of innovative methods, and use of established infrastructure.

Related Information

Food and Beverage

Nationwide Health Alert for E. coli Contaminated Ground Beef: What You Need to Know

“Nationwide health alert issued for E. coli-contaminated ground beef. Check FSIS website for affected products and disposal instructions.”

Published

5 days ago

April 24, 2024

Charles Elliot and Daily News Staff

A recent national health alert has been issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) regarding Greater Omaha ground beef products potentially contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. This particular strain of E. coli can cause severe gastrointestinal infections in humans. In this article, we will provide you with all the information you need to know about this alert and how to stay safe.

Product Details:
The affected ground beef products were produced and packaged on March 28, 2024, with a “Use/Freeze by” date of April 22, 2024. The packaging will also have “EST.960A” inside the USDA mark of inspection. While the ground beef was distributed to various restaurants and retail locations nationwide, it is important to note that the impacted products are no longer available for sale.

Affected Products:

10-lb. ground beef chub: GROUND BEEF 85 FINE GRIND 10#/6 (Lot codes: 25, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, and 33; Case code: 263085)
5-lb. ground beef chub: GROUND BEEF GOHERF GB RIB BRISKET CHUCK CRAFT BURGER 5LB (Lot code: 26; Case code: 66500)
5-lb. ground beef chub: Greater Omaha 100% ALL NATURAL 5 LBS. GOURMET BLEND RIB BRISKET CHUCK
5-lb. ground beef chub: GROUND BEEF GOHERF GB 81 FINE GRIND 5#/12 EXACT WEIGHT (Lot code: 26; Case code: 663581)
4-pack 8-oz ground beef patties: GROUND BEEF GOANG GB Patty 8OZ Homestyle Rib/Brisket/CH (Lot code: 34; Case code: 716800)
4-pack 8-oz ground beef patties: LOT 34 Ground Beef GB GOANG 75 PATTY PUCK 8 OZ (Lot code: 34; Case code: 728075)
4-pack 7-oz ground beef patties: LOT 34 GROUND BEEF GOANG Rib/Brisket/Chuck 7OZ HOMESTYLE (Lot code: 34; Case code: 716700)
6-oz ground beef patties: LOT 34 GROUND BEEF GOANG GB PATTY 6 OZ HOMESTYLE RIB/BRISKET/CHUCK (Lot code: 34; Case code: 716600)
5-lb. ground beef chub: GROUND BEEF GOHERF GB 81 FINE GRIND 5LB EXACT WEIGHT (Lot code: 26; Case code: 63581)
6-pack 5.33-oz ground beef patties: Ground Beef GOHERF RIB BRISKET CHUCK 5.33oz HOMESTYLE (Lot code: 27; Case code: 616500)
4-pack 8-oz ground beef patties: LOT 27 Ground Beef GOHERF Homestyle GB PATTY RIB/BRISKET/CHUCK 8 OZ (Lot code: 27; Case code: 616800)
10-lb. ground beef chub: GROUND BEEF 73 FINE GRIND 10#/6 (Lot code: 37; Case code: 263073)
4-pack 8-oz ground beef patties: LOT 51 Ground Beef GB GOANG 75 PATTY PUCK 8OZ (Lot code: 51; Case code: 728075)

Recommendations:
If you have any of the above-mentioned ground beef products stored in your freezer, the FSIS advises against consuming them. Instead, it is important to either throw them away or return them to the place of purchase. Doing so will help prevent potential health risks.

Moreover, it is essential to note that no confirmed illness cases have been reported thus far in connection with this specific health alert. However, if you have consumed the ground beef and are experiencing any symptoms of illness, it is recommended to reach out to a healthcare provider immediately.

Ensuring the safety and well-being of consumers is a priority, and that is precisely why this nationwide health alert has been issued concerning E. coli contamination in specific Greater Omaha ground beef products. By taking the necessary precautions and following the FSIS recommendations, we can collectively prevent any potential health risks associated with this incident.

Remember, staying informed and proactive during such situations is crucial for ensuring the health and safety of yourself and your loved ones. Keep up to date with any further developments by visiting the FSIS website or seeking information from reliable sources. Stay safe and healthy!

Check out the article on The Hill regarding the E. Coli warning. https://thehill.com/changing-america/well-being/prevention-cures/4610002-nationwide-health-alert-issued-for-ground-beef-over-potential-e-coli-risk/

What is E. Coli?

-Escherichia coli is a gram-negative, facultative anaerobic, rod-shaped coliform bacterium. – It is commonly found in the lower intestine of warm-blooded organisms. – Most E. coli strains are harmless, but some can cause food poisoning and contamination incidents. – Some strains of E. coli are beneficial to humans by producing vitamin or preventing the colonization of pathogenic bacteria. – E. coli is expelled through fecal matter and grows rapidly for three days before declining.

E. coli and other bacteria make up only a small part of the gut microbiota, but can cause disease through fecal-oral transmission. They can be used as indicators to test for fecal contamination in the environment, and some strains can survive for days outside a host.

E. coli is a bacterium that has been extensively studied for over 60 years and can be easily and inexpensively grown in a lab. It is a chemoheterotroph and requires carbon and energy. E. coli is the most widely studied prokaryotic model organism and is significant in biotechnology and microbiology. It reproduces quickly, taking as little as 20 minutes under favorable conditions. (Wikipedia)

https://stmdailynews.com/category/food-and-beverage/

FDA CDC News

FDA Approval of Nonsteroidal Treatment for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Breaking news! FDA approves Duvyzat for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a nonsteroidal treatment providing hope for patients and families. #DMD #FDAApproval

Published

1 month ago

March 21, 2024

Charles Elliot

Breaking news in the medical world! The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has just approved Duvyzat (givinostat), an oral medication for the treatment of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) in patients six years of age and older. Duvyzat is making history as the first nonsteroidal drug approved to treat patients with all genetic variants of DMD. This is a significant milestone in the treatment of this devastating disease.

DMD, being the most common childhood form of muscular dystrophy, primarily affects males. It is a neurological disorder that leads to progressive muscle weakness due to a lack of dystrophin, a muscle protein. Over time, the muscles deteriorate, causing difficulties with walking, muscle strength, and eventually leading to breathing problems and early death. However, with advancements in treatment, the life expectancy for individuals with DMD has been steadily increasing, with some patients surviving beyond 30 years.

Duvyzat is a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor that targets pathogenic processes to reduce inflammation and loss of muscle in patients with DMD. Its efficacy for the treatment of DMD was evaluated in an 18-month phase 3 study involving a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. The primary endpoint of the study was the change in muscle function, measured by the time it took patients to climb four stairs. Patients treated with Duvyzat showed a statistically significant reduction in the decline of muscle function compared to placebo.

Another measure of efficacy was the change in physical function assessed by the North Star Ambulatory Assessment (NSAA), a scale commonly used to rate motor function in boys with DMD who can still walk. Patients treated with Duvyzat experienced less worsening in their NSAA scores after 18 months, compared to those on placebo.

Like any medication, Duvyzat does come with some potential side effects. The most common ones reported were diarrhea, abdominal pain, a decrease in platelets, nausea/vomiting, an increase in triglycerides, and fever. It’s important for healthcare providers to evaluate a patient’s platelet counts and triglyceride levels before prescribing Duvyzat. Patients with low platelet counts should not take the drug. Monitoring of platelet counts and triglycerides throughout treatment will help determine if any dosage adjustments are needed.

Healthcare professionals should also be aware that Duvyzat may cause QTc prolongation, which can increase the risk of irregular heartbeats. It’s crucial for patients taking other medications known to cause QTc prolongation or with certain types of heart disease to avoid taking Duvyzat.

The recommended dosage of Duvyzat is determined by the patient’s body weight, and it should be taken orally twice daily with food.

The approval of Duvyzat was granted to Italfarmaco S.p.A., and it received priority review, fast-track designation, as well as orphan drug and rare pediatric disease designations from the FDA. This demonstrates the agency’s commitment to advancing the development of new therapies for DMD and its recognition of the urgent need for effective treatments.

This milestone approval represents hope and progress for individuals and families affected by DMD. It provides another treatment option to help reduce the burden of this progressive and debilitating disease, regardless of the specific genetic mutation. With continued advancements in medical research and the dedication of organizations like the FDA, we are moving closer to a future where individuals with DMD can lead healthier lives.

As always, it’s important to consult with healthcare professionals for more information and guidance regarding Duvyzat and its suitability for individual cases. Let’s celebrate this achievement in medical science and look forward to more groundbreaking developments in the treatment of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

Source: FDA

Related Information

Duchenne muscular dystrophy – About the Disease – Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center
The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, products that give off electronic radiation, and for regulating tobacco products.

https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/

Daily News

Understanding RSV: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

RSV: a viral respiratory infection affecting children and adults. Learn about symptoms, treatment, and prevention for a healthier future.

Published

4 months ago

December 23, 2023

Daily News Staff

man in gray sweater sitting beside woman — Photo by Vlada Karpovich on Pexels.com

RSV, short for Respiratory Syncytial Virus, is a common viral infection that primarily affects the respiratory system, particularly young children. While RSV infections are usually mild, they can pose a greater risk to infants, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. If you or a loved one are facing RSV, it can be overwhelming to know what to do next. That’s why it’s important to know the symptoms, treatment options, and preventative measures available to you. By being informed and taking action, you can give yourself and those around you hope and guidance during this difficult time. So let’s explore what you can do to fight RSV and emerge victorious.

Symptoms and Diagnosis:
RSV presents symptoms resembling a cold, including cough, runny nose, fever, and occasionally, difficulty breathing. Infants may exhibit irritability, decreased appetite, and lethargy. Diagnosing RSV usually involves a medical professional evaluating symptoms, conducting a physical examination, and, if necessary, performing laboratory tests to confirm the presence of the virus.

Treatment and Management:
In most cases, RSV infections can be managed at home with supportive care. This includes ensuring proper hydration, maintaining a comfortable environment, and using over-the-counter medications to alleviate symptoms under a doctor’s guidance. However, for high-risk individuals or severe cases, hospitalization may be required for closer monitoring and specialized treatment, such as oxygen therapy or intravenous fluids.

Prevention is Key:
Preventing the spread of RSV is crucial, especially for vulnerable populations. Practicing good hygiene, such as frequent handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, and avoiding close contact with infected individuals, can significantly reduce the risk of transmission. Additionally, promoting a clean and sanitized environment, particularly in daycare centers and schools, can help curb the spread of the virus.

Hopeful Outlook:
While RSV can be concerning, it’s important to remember that most cases resolve on their own with time and supportive care. In fact, the majority of children infected with RSV recover fully without complications. By following preventive measures, seeking medical attention when needed, and staying informed about the latest developments in RSV research and treatment, we can approach this viral infection with hope and confidence.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common viral infection that primarily affects young children, causing cold-like symptoms and occasionally resulting in more severe respiratory distress. However, with proper care and attention, RSV can be managed effectively. By understanding the symptoms, seeking medical help when necessary, and adopting preventive measures, we can protect ourselves and our loved ones from the impact of RSV and look forward to brighter days ahead.

You can find more information about RSV, including its treatment and prevention, by visiting the CDC website. https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/index.html