Marisa Wexler, MS, senior science writer —

During pregnancy, Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) may manifest as an excess of fluid around the developing fetus coupled with restricted fetal growth and decreased fetal movement, a new report indicates. These signs should alert clinicians to consider testing for the possibility of a PWS diagnosis, the researchers wrote. The…

People with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) have smaller pituitary glands than their typically-developing peers, according to data from a small study. The findings also suggest that altered pituitary size is associated with behavioral abnormalities in PWS. Results were published in the journal Biomarkers in Neuropsychiatry, in the study “…

Aardvark Therapeutics has raised $29 million in financing to help support three planned Phase 2 clinical trials of its lead compound, ARD-101, an investigational therapy for Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) and other disorders. Financing was led by Sorrento Therapeutics, with participation from other investors and support from the…

Eurordis opened a campaign, called Rare 2030 Action, that is seeking to establish a European action plan for rare diseases to ensure that none of the 30 million people in Europe living with rare diseases are left behind by the start of a new decade. As part of…

People with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) and other diseases commonly experience sleep problems, and the problems are rarely addressed effectively by healthcare professionals, according to a white paper published by Harmony Biosciences. Excessive daytime sleepiness, or EDS, is a common symptom experienced by people with rare diseases…

Specific genetic subtypes and growth hormone use both influence the physical characteristics, such as head shape and eye appearance, of people with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), a large study indicates. The study, “Influence of Molecular Classes and Growth Hormone Treatment on Growth and Dysmorphology in Prader‐Willi Syndrome:…

Soleno Therapeutics has partnered with Vanderbilt University to develop therapies that work as ATP-dependent potassium channel activators for rare diseases, similar to the diazoxide choline controlled release (DCCR) tablets the company thinks might treat Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS). ATP-dependent potassium (or KATP) channels are proteins present in multiple body tissues.

Tonix Pharmaceuticals has licensed technology from the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm) that it aims to use for treating failure to thrive in Prader-Willi syndrome. The license will allow Tonix to expand its intranasal — administered via the nose — potentiated oxytocin program to…

Inversago Pharma‘s INV-101 has been granted rare pediatric disease (RPD) designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS). This designation is given to potential medications targeting serious diseases that primarily affect less than 200,000 Americans ages 18 or younger. If the…

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…