News

Evolutionary changes in the genome of ancient Kuwaitis that helped them survive extremely harsh environmental conditions and food scarcity in the Arabian Desert may make the modern Kuwait population — which now has a sedentary lifestyle — more prone to metabolic disorders. The study with that assertion found…

Having a greater genetic likelihood for high blood pressure and obesity may correlate with a shorter lifespan, a large international study reports. This type of analysis could help identify those most likely to benefit from medical or lifestyle interventions, according to the scientists. The study, “Trans-biobank analysis…

Researchers have developed a statistical model to better estimate how the interaction between genetic and environmental factors can affect obesity risk, potentially helping public health authorities to focus on specific environmental factors to mitigate this risk. The study, “Quantification of the overall contribution of gene-environment interaction for obesity-related traits,”…

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…

Rhythm Pharmaceuticals is seeking approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its lead candidate setmelanotide to treat POMC deficiency and LEPR deficiency, two rare genetic obesity disorders. Over the next two months, the FDA will determine whether Rhythm’s new drug application (NDA) is acceptable for filing…

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),…

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted orphan drug status to Rhythm Pharmaceuticals‘ setmelanotide for the treatment of people who have Alström syndrome, a rare genetic disorder of obesity. Orphan drug designation is given to medicines with potential to be safe and effective treatments for…

Even with the coronavirus pandemic ravaging Europe and much of the world, patient advocate Lucia Monaco, PhD, of Italy remains confident that the Paris-based nonprofit she chairs will see the approval of 1,000 new rare disease therapies by 2027. That group, the International Rare Diseases Research Consortium (IRDiRC) —…

Levels of a protein called SERPINE-1 and modifications in its gene may help predict the success of gastric sleeve surgery for obese patients seeking to lose weight and maintain their weight loss, a recent study suggests. The study, titled “SERPINE-1 Gene Methylation and Protein as Molecular…

Two variants of the FTO gene are strongly associated with the risk of developing extreme obesity, a recent study conducted among the Brazilian population reports. The study, “Genetic variants in the fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene confer risk for extreme obesity and modulate adiposity in a…