News

People who are genetically predisposed toward obesity or having high levels of so-called “bad” cholesterol — low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol — are at increased risk of contracting COVID-19, a study reported. The study, “Causal Inference for Genetic Obesity, Cardiometabolic Profile and COVID-19 Susceptibility: A Mendelian Randomization…

Leaders in the U.S. rare disease community came together recently for a webinar to present helpful information on how to start a nonprofit and patient registry. They shared about how their respective organizations came to be, as well as the benefits of creating patient registries and how they can help…

The new weekly formulation of setmelanotide, Rhythm Pharmaceuticals’ lead candidate for rare genetic obesity disorders, continues to be as effective and safe at promoting weight loss in healthy obese individuals as its daily formulation, according to new interim data from a Phase 2 clinical…

Genetic predisposition to weight gain might protect against breast and prostate cancer, a new large study from the U.K suggests. The findings contradict prevailing theory — and public health advice — and imply that the relationship between obesity and cancer risk is more complicated than previously thought. The study, “…

People whose genetics predispose them towards obesity are more likely to develop chronic kidney disease (CKD), a new study indicates. Notably, the findings suggest that obesity can cause CKD primarily by increasing the risk of high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. The study, “Conventional and…

The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)’s RareLaunch training program will host two days of free virtual workshops in December, with the aim of empowering leaders to start non-profit organizations and research programs to help people with rare diseases. “The RareLaunch program is central to NORD’s mission and history — community…

A tiny RNA molecule, or microRNA, called miR-128-1 helps to regulate metabolism and could be a treatment target in obesity and related conditions, a study in mice suggests. These findings also shed new light on how certain human traits have evolved. The study, “A MicroRNA Linking…

A photo of a bespectacled young boy, his red baseball cap slightly askew as he  enjoys time outside, will be featured on the front cover of an upcoming calendar in the “Same But Different” contest to raise awareness about rare disorders. “A Lovely Day Out in Kew Gardens,”…

The heritability of obesity-related traits is similar in Japanese and European populations but the way these traits are interrelated may be different, a study suggests — pointing to a need to further research how genetics regulates obesity in distinct populations. The study, “Genomic Heritabilities and Correlations…

A majority of rare disease patients using telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic thought the experience positive, and many would like the option of continuing its use in future appointments, a series of surveys found. The surveys were conducted by the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) and involved more than 800…