News

Physical Activity, Nutrition Recommended for Bone Health in Prader-Willi

Bone health problems such as osteoporosis and scoliosis are common among people with Prader-Willi syndrome, a new study indicates. Its researchers offered several recommendations for caring for bone health in people with Prader-Willi, such as optimizing calcium intake, getting enough physical exercise, and regular screenings for hormone imbalances. The…

Loss of Non-coding RNA May Underlie Brain Alterations in PWS

The loss of certain genetic material called non-coding RNA might lead to the disruption of genes important for brain development and function in Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) , a study found. These alterations could underlie the cognitive and behavioral symptoms of the disease,  according to researchers. The study, “…

New Phase of DCCR Trial May Support Regulatory Approval Request

A randomized withdrawal period in the ongoing open-label extension trial of DCCR (diazoxide choline extended-release tablets) for people with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) has been initiated to generate more data about the investigational treatment’s effectiveness. The study, called C602 (NCT03714373), is evaluating the safety and effectiveness of daily…

Magel2 Gene Research Yields Potential Therapeutic Strategy

Reduced activity of the Magel2 gene, which is defective in Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), specifically in nerve cells that supply the brain’s amygdala, lowered the susceptibility to diet-induced weight gain by increasing physical activity. The researchers noted that these unexpected findings from a mouse study may provide a novel therapeutic strategy…

Specific Gene Deletions Associated with More Severe PWS Disease Symptoms

An overview of patients with atypical deletions causing Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) suggests deletions in the SNURF-SNPRN and SNORD-116 genes are crucial for developing major PWS symptoms, a new study reports. The study “Atypical 15q11.2-q13 Deletions and the Prader-Willi Phenotype,” was published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine. PWS…

Aripiprazole Intensifies Behavioral Issues in Six PWS Cases, Study Shows

Aripiprazole, a treatment used for schizophrenia and other brain disorders, may potentially worsen behavioral problems in young people with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), according to a small study. Symptoms such as aggressiveness, irritability, and impulsiveness intensified in six people with PWS who received aripiprazole, but eased once they stopped taking…

Receptor for Hormone Oxytocin Less Marked in PWS Patients

There may be changes to how the “feel-good” hormone oxytocin works in patients with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) in general, and in those with psychosis, according to findings from a small study in Germany. Researchers found that OXTR, the gene that codes for the oxytocin receptor, is not as methylated in…