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Sangiorgi L, Boarini M, Westerheim I, Skarberg RT, Clancy J, Wang V, Mordenti M. Project SATURN- a real-world evidence data collaboration with existing European datasets in Osteogenesis Imperfecta to support future therapies. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2024; 19:184. [PMID: 38698457 PMCID: PMC11064334 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-024-03185-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Regulatory marketing authorisation is not enough to ensure patient access to new medicinal products. Health Technology Assessment bodies may require data on effectiveness, relative effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness. Healthcare systems may require data on clinical utility, savings, and budget impact. Furthermore, the exact requirements of these bodies vary country by country and sometimes even region to region, resulting in a patchwork of different data requirements to achieve effective, reimbursed patient access to new therapies. In addition, clinicians require data to make informed clinical management decisions. This requirement is of key importance in rare diseases where there is often limited data and clinical experience at the time of regulatory approval.This paper describes an innovative initiative that is called Project SATURN: Systematic Accumulation of Treatment practices and Utilization, Real world evidence, and Natural history data for the rare disease Osteogenesis Imperfecta. The objective of this project is to generate a common core dataset by utilising existing data sources to meet the needs of the various stakeholders and avoiding fragmentation through multiple approaches (e.g., a series of individual national requests/approaches, and unconnected with the regulators' potential requirements). It is expected that such an approach will reduce the time for patient access to life-changing medications. Whilst Project SATURN applies to Osteogenesis Imperfecta, it is anticipated that the principles could also be applied to other rare diseases and reduce the time for patient access to new medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Sangiorgi
- Department of Rare Skeletal Disorders, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - M Boarini
- Department of Rare Skeletal Disorders, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - I Westerheim
- OIFE (Osteogenesis Imperfecta Federation Europe), Heffen (Mechelen), Belgium
| | - R T Skarberg
- OIFE (Osteogenesis Imperfecta Federation Europe), Heffen (Mechelen), Belgium
- ePAG ERN BOND (European Reference Network on Rare Bone Diseases), Coordinating Center, Bologna, Italy
| | - J Clancy
- Mereo BioPharma Group plc, London, UK.
| | - V Wang
- UBC Late Stage Ltd, London, UK
| | - M Mordenti
- Department of Rare Skeletal Disorders, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
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2
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Cetin Gedik K, Arici ZS, Kul Cinar O, Garcia-Bournissen F, Romano M, Demirkaya E. Practical Approach to Diagnosis and Management of IL-1-Mediated Autoinflammatory Diseases (CAPS, TRAPS, MKD, and DIRA). Paediatr Drugs 2024; 26:113-126. [PMID: 38376736 DOI: 10.1007/s40272-023-00615-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Systemic autoinflammatory diseases (SAIDs) are a group of rare genetic and nongenetic immune dysregulatory disorders associated with high morbidity and mortality if left untreated. Therefore, early diagnosis and initiation of targeted treatment is vital in SAID patients to control the disease activity and prevent long-term immune-mediated damage. A specific group of genetically defined SAIDs is associated with increased inflammasome-mediated production of active interleukin (IL)-1. Even though progress in immunobiology and genetics has brought forth diagnostic tools and novel treatments that have been described in the literature extensively, many challenges remain in the clinical setting. Some challenges that health care providers may face on a day-to-day basis include the requirement of a multidisciplinary approach due to the complexity of these diseases, limited evidence-based treatment options, and barriers to access available therapies. Primarily, IL-1 inhibitors anakinra, canakinumab, and rilonacept are used to control the inflammation in these patients, with the goal of achieving sustainable remission. Recently published provisional points to consider from the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) and American College of Rheumatology (ACR) provide diagnosis, management, and monitoring recommendations for four IL-1-mediated autoinflammatory diseases: cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes (CAPS), tumour necrosis factor receptor-associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS), mevalonate kinase deficiency (MKD), and deficiency of the IL-1 receptor antagonist (DIRA). The goal of this paper is to aid health care professionals by providing a practical approach to diagnosis and management of these four IL-1 mediated SAIDs on the basis of the recent EULAR/ACR recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kader Cetin Gedik
- Division of Pediatric Rheumatology, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Zehra Serap Arici
- Division of Rheumatology, Malatya Training and Research Hospital, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Ovgu Kul Cinar
- Department of Paediatric Rheumatology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, Great Ormond Street, London, WC1N 3JH, UK
| | - Facundo Garcia-Bournissen
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 5W9, Canada
| | - Micol Romano
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 5W9, Canada
- Canadian Behcet and Autoinflammatory Disease Center (CAN-BE-AID), University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 4V2, Canada
| | - Erkan Demirkaya
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 5W9, Canada
- Canadian Behcet and Autoinflammatory Disease Center (CAN-BE-AID), University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 4V2, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 5W9, Canada
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3
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Lauffer MC, van Roon-Mom W, Aartsma-Rus A. Possibilities and limitations of antisense oligonucleotide therapies for the treatment of monogenic disorders. COMMUNICATIONS MEDICINE 2024; 4:6. [PMID: 38182878 PMCID: PMC10770028 DOI: 10.1038/s43856-023-00419-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) are incredibly versatile molecules that can be designed to specifically target and modify RNA transcripts to slow down or halt rare genetic disease progression. They offer the potential to target groups of patients or can be tailored for individual cases. Nonetheless, not all genetic variants and disorders are amenable to ASO-based treatments, and hence, it is important to consider several factors before embarking on the drug development journey. Here, we discuss which genetic disorders have the potential to benefit from a specific type of ASO approach, based on the pathophysiology of the disease and pathogenic variant type, as well as those disorders that might not be suitable for ASO therapies. We further explore additional aspects, such as the target tissues, intervention time points, and potential clinical benefits, which need to be considered before developing a compound. Overall, we provide an overview of the current potentials and limitations of ASO-based therapeutics for the treatment of monogenic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlen C Lauffer
- Dutch Center for RNA Therapeutics, Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Willeke van Roon-Mom
- Dutch Center for RNA Therapeutics, Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Annemieke Aartsma-Rus
- Dutch Center for RNA Therapeutics, Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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4
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Skweres-Kuchta M, Czerska I, Szaruga E. Literature Review on Health Emigration in Rare Diseases-A Machine Learning Perspective. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:2483. [PMID: 36767849 PMCID: PMC9915846 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20032483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The article deals with one of the effects of health inequalities and gaps in access to treatments for rare diseases, namely health-driven emigration. The purpose of the paper is to systematize knowledge about the phenomenon of health emigration observed among families affected by rare diseases, for which reimbursed treatment is available, but only in selected countries. The topic proved to be niche; the issue of "health emigration in rare diseases" is an area for exploration. Therefore, the further analysis used text mining and machine learning methods based on a database selected based on keywords related to this issue. The results made it possible to systematize the guesses made by researchers in management and economic fields, to identify the most common keywords and thematic clusters around the perspective of the patient, drug manufacturer and treatment reimbursement decision-maker, and the perspective integrating all the others. Since the topic of health emigration was not directly addressed in the selected sources, the authors attempted to define the related concepts and discussed the importance of this phenomenon in managing the support system in rare diseases. Thus, they indicated directions for further research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Skweres-Kuchta
- Department of Organization and Management, Institute of Management, University of Szczecin, Cukrowa 8 Street, 71-004 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Iwona Czerska
- Department of Marketing Research, Faculty of Management, Wroclaw University of Economics and Business, 118/120 Komandorska Str, 53-345 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Szaruga
- Department of Transport Management, Institute of Management, University of Szczecin, Cukrowa 8 Street, 71-004 Szczecin, Poland
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Piskin D, Romano M, Aletaha D, Feldman BM, Goldbach-Mansky R, Carmona L, Demirkaya E. Developing guidelines for ultrarare rheumatic disorders: a bumpy ride. Ann Rheum Dis 2022; 81:1203-1205. [PMID: 35738880 DOI: 10.1136/ard-2022-222538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Clinical practice guidelines are useful tools for both patients and physicians. Several standardised operating procedures are in existence to describe tasks step by step to develop guidelines/recommendations. The end product consists of data synthesis from the systematic literature search and patient/physician's inputs. For the prevalent diseases, the process for developing guidelines is straightforward; it is based on physicians'/patients' experiences and abundance of the literature. When it comes to the realm of ultrarare diseases, there are few physicians who are familiar with a disease, and there is a scarcity of literature. In this viewpoint, we describe challenges from the methodological perspectives that occurred during the process of developing recommendations for autoinflammatory disorders with the goal of finding solutions that facilitate the development of guidelines for ultrarare diseases in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Piskin
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Canadian Behcet and Autoinflammatory Disease Center (CAN-BE-AID), Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Micol Romano
- Canadian Behcet and Autoinflammatory Disease Center (CAN-BE-AID), Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Pediatric Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Daniel Aletaha
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Brian M Feldman
- Division of Rheumatology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Loreto Carmona
- Instituto de Salud Musculoesquelética (INMUSC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Erkan Demirkaya
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Canadian Behcet and Autoinflammatory Disease Center (CAN-BE-AID), Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Pediatric Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
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Personalized Medicine to Improve Treatment of Dopa-Responsive Dystonia-A Focus on Tyrosine Hydroxylase Deficiency. J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11111186. [PMID: 34834538 PMCID: PMC8625014 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11111186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Dopa-responsive dystonia (DRD) is a rare movement disorder associated with defective dopamine synthesis. This impairment may be due to the fact of a deficiency in GTP cyclohydrolase I (GTPCHI, GCH1 gene), sepiapterin reductase (SR), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), or 6-pyruvoyl tetrahydrobiopterin synthase (PTPS) enzyme functions. Mutations in GCH1 are most frequent, whereas fewer cases have been reported for individual SR-, PTP synthase-, and TH deficiencies. Although termed DRD, a subset of patients responds poorly to L-DOPA. As this is regularly observed in severe cases of TH deficiency (THD), there is an urgent demand for more adequate or personalized treatment options. TH is a key enzyme that catalyzes the rate-limiting step in catecholamine biosynthesis, and THD patients often present with complex and variable phenotypes, which results in frequent misdiagnosis and lack of appropriate treatment. In this expert opinion review, we focus on THD pathophysiology and ongoing efforts to develop novel therapeutics for this rare disorder. We also describe how different modeling approaches can be used to improve genotype to phenotype predictions and to develop in silico testing of treatment strategies. We further discuss the current status of mathematical modeling of catecholamine synthesis and how such models can be used together with biochemical data to improve treatment of DRD patients.
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Puckett Y, Mallorga-Hernández A, Montaño AM. Epidemiology of mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) in United States: challenges and opportunities. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2021; 16:241. [PMID: 34051828 PMCID: PMC8164808 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-021-01880-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) are rare, inherited lysosomal storage disorders characterized by progressive multiorgan involvement. Previous studies on incidence and prevalence of MPS mainly focused on countries other than the United States (US), showing considerable variation by country. This study aimed to identify MPS incidence and prevalence in the US at a national and state level to guide clinicians and policy makers. Methods This retrospective study examined all diagnosed cases of MPS from 1995 to 2015 in the US using the National MPS Society database records. Data included year of birth, patient geographic location, and MPS variant type. US population information was obtained from the National Center for Health Statistics. The incidence and prevalence rates were calculated for each disease. Incidence rates were calculated for each state. Results We obtained information from 789 MPS patients during a 20-year period. Incidence of MPS in the US was found to be 0.98 per 100,000 live births. Prevalence was found to be 2.67 per 1 million. MPS I, II, and III had the highest incidence rate at birth (0.26/100,000) and prevalence rates of 0.70–0.71 per million. Birth incidences of MPS IV, VI, and VII were 0.14, 0.04 and 0.027 per 100,000 live births. Conclusions This is the most comprehensive review of MPS incidence and prevalence rates in the US. Due to the large US population and state fragmentation, US incidence and prevalence were found to be lower than other countries. Nonetheless, state-level studies in the US supported these figures. Efforts should be focused in the establishment of a national rare disease registry with mandated reporting from every state as well as newborn screening of MPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yana Puckett
- Department of Epidemiology, Saint Louis University College for Public Health and Social Justice, 3545 Lafayette Avenue, St. Louis, MO, 63104, USA.
| | | | - Adriana M Montaño
- Department of Pediatrics, Edward A. Doisy Research Center, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, 1100 South Grand Blvd., Room 313, St. Louis, MO, 63104, USA. .,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Edward A. Doisy Research Center, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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8
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Keech J, Dai WF, Trudeau M, Mercer RE, Naipaul R, Wright FC, Ferguson SE, Darling G, Gavura S, Eisen A, Kouroukis CT, Beca J, Chan KKW. Impact of rarity on Canadian oncology health technology assessment and funding. Int J Technol Assess Health Care 2020; 36:1-6. [PMID: 32779560 DOI: 10.1017/s0266462320000483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The pan-Canadian Oncology Drug Review (pCODR) evaluates new cancer drugs for public funding recommendations. While pCODR's deliberative framework evaluates overall clinical benefit and includes considerations for exceptional circumstances, rarity of indication is not explicitly addressed. Given the high unmet need that typically accompanies these indications, we explored the impact of rarity on oncology HTA recommendations and funding decisions. METHODS We examined pCODR submissions with final recommendations from 2012 to 2017. Incidence rates were calculated using pCODR recommendation reports and statistics from the Canadian Cancer Society. Indications were classified as rare if the incidence rate was lower than 1/100,000 diagnoses, a definition referenced by the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health. Each pCODR final report was examined for the funding recommendation/justification, level of supporting evidence (presence of a randomized control trial [RCT]), and time to funding (if applicable). RESULTS Of the ninety-six pCODR reviews examined, 16.6 percent were classified as rare indications per above criteria. While the frequency of positive funding recommendations were similar between rare and nonrare indication (78.6 vs. 75 percent), rare indications were less likely to be presented with evidence from RCT (50 vs. 90 percent). The average time to funding did not differ significantly across provinces. CONCLUSION Rare indications appear to be associated with weaker clinical evidence. There appears to be no association between rarity, positive funding recommendations, and time to funding. Further work will evaluate factors associated with positive recommendations and the real-world utilization of funded treatments for rare indications.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Keech
- Cancer Care Ontario & Canadian Centre for Applied Research in Cancer Control, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Wei Fang Dai
- Cancer Care Ontario & Canadian Centre for Applied Research in Cancer Control, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Maureen Trudeau
- Odette Cancer Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rebecca E Mercer
- Cancer Care Ontario & Canadian Centre for Applied Research in Cancer Control, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Frances C Wright
- Odette Cancer Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Gail Darling
- University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Scott Gavura
- Cancer Care Ontario & Canadian Centre for Applied Research in Cancer Control, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrea Eisen
- Odette Cancer Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - C Tom Kouroukis
- Juravinski Cancer Centre, Hamilton Health Sciences Centre, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jaclyn Beca
- Cancer Care Ontario & Canadian Centre for Applied Research in Cancer Control, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kelvin K W Chan
- Odette Cancer Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Abstract
The Canadian Genomics Partnership for Rare Diseases, spearheaded by Genome Canada, will integrate genome-wide sequencing to rare disease clinical care in Canada. Centralized and tiered models of data stewardship are proposed to ensure that the data generated can be shared for secondary clinical, research, and quality assurance purposes in compliance with ethics and law. The principal ethico-legal obligations of clinicians, researchers, and institutions are synthesized. Governance infrastructures such as registered access platforms, data access compliance offices, and Beacon systems are proposed as potential organizational and technical foundations of responsible rare disease data sharing. The appropriate delegation of responsibilities, the transparent communication of rights and duties, and the integration of data privacy safeguards into infrastructure design are proposed as the cornerstones of rare disease data stewardship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Bernier
- Centre of Genomics and Policy, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0G1, Canada
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Cachecho S, Elfassy C, Hamdy R, Rosenbaum P, Dahan-Oliel N. Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita definition: Update using an international consensus-based approach. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS PART C-SEMINARS IN MEDICAL GENETICS 2019; 181:280-287. [PMID: 31452331 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.c.31739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2019] [Revised: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC) has been described and defined in thousands of articles, but the terminology used has been inconsistent. Some have described it as a diagnosis or syndrome, others as a term or clinical finding. This lack of common language can lead to confusion in clinical and research communities. The aim of this study was to develop a consensus-based definition for AMC using international expert opinion. A consensus-based definition will help harmonize research and clinical endeavors and will facilitate communication among families, clinicians, and researchers. This article describes the methodology used leading to a proposed definition of AMC. First, a literature review was conducted to identify AMC definitions used in included studies. The most commonly used words in the definitions were extracted. Second, a group of eight experts in AMC was selected to identify elements considered critically important to the definition of AMC. Third, based on these critical elements and the literature review, a definition was drafted by the research team. Fourth, a modified Delphi consensus process was conducted using electronic surveys with 25 experts in the field of AMC from eight countries. Survey results were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively and drafts were modified accordingly. Three rounds of surveys were completed until consensus was reached on a definition of AMC. An annotation of this definition, developed by a panel of international experts, is provided in a separate manuscript in this special issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Cachecho
- Rehabilitation Department, Shriners Hospital for Children-Canada, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Caroline Elfassy
- Rehabilitation Department, Shriners Hospital for Children-Canada, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Reggie Hamdy
- Shriners Hospital for Children-Canada, Division of Pediatric Orthopaedics, Department of Orthopaedics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Peter Rosenbaum
- Department of Paediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Noémi Dahan-Oliel
- Clinical Research Department, Shriners Hospital for Children-Canada, School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Di Paolo A, Arrigoni E. Generic Substitution of Orphan Drugs for the Treatment of Rare Diseases: Exploring the Potential Challenges. Drugs 2019; 78:399-410. [PMID: 29464665 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-018-0882-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Generic drugs are important components of measures introduced by healthcare regulatory authorities to reduce treatment costs. In most patients and conditions the switch from a branded drug to its generic counterpart is performed with no major complications. However, evidence from complex diseases suggests that generic substitution requires careful evaluation in some settings and that current bioequivalence criteria may not always be adequate for establishing the interchangeability of branded and generic products. Rare diseases, also called orphan diseases, are a group of heterogeneous diseases that share important characteristics: in addition to their scarcity, most are severe, chronic, highly debilitating, and often present in early childhood. Finding a treatment for a rare disease is challenging. Thanks to incentives that encourage research and development programs in rare diseases, several orphan drugs are currently available. The elevated cost of orphan drugs is a highly debated issue and a cause of limited access to treatment for many patients. As patent protection and the exclusivity period of several orphan drugs will expire soon, generic versions of orphan drugs should reach the market shortly, with great expectations about their impact on the economic burden of rare diseases. However, consistent with other complex diseases, generic substitution may require thoughtful considerations and may be even contraindicated in some rare conditions. This article provides an overview of rare disease characteristics, reviews reports of problematic generic substitution, and discusses why generic substitution of orphan drugs may be challenging and should be undertaken carefully in rare disease patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonello Di Paolo
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Elena Arrigoni
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126, Pisa, Italy
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12
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Weerasooriya SU. The impact of orphan drug policies in treating rare diseases. Health Info Libr J 2019; 36:179-184. [PMID: 30933412 DOI: 10.1111/hir.12256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
This paper is based on Shalini Weerasooriya's Masters dissertation in Public Health at the University of Sheffield. A literature review was conducted to understand the role that orphan drug policies have played in the development of new treatments for rare diseases. The impacts of the policies were categorised as 'tangible' or 'intangible' and further synthesis identified 10 main themes such as incentives for investment, criteria for eligibility and assessment of drug applications and further guidance to industry during the drug development cycle. The review concludes that whilst policies have contributed positively towards improving the research and development of orphan drugs it has not exhausted its uses and must now shift its focus to facilitating greater accessibility and affordability of the treatments and that stakeholders are essential to the success of this process. Implications for practice are identified, for example the need to further update and refine the policy with changing demographics and advancing technologies and, in particular, greater collaboration and involvement through, for example, evidence based training programmes is recommended. It is concluded that focus must shift to address the gap between having available drugs and being able to access and afford them. F.J.
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Mulberg AE, Bucci-Rechtweg C, Giuliano J, Jacoby D, Johnson FK, Liu Q, Marsden D, McGoohan S, Nelson R, Patel N, Romero K, Sinha V, Sitaraman S, Spaltro J, Kessler V. Regulatory strategies for rare diseases under current global regulatory statutes: a discussion with stakeholders. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2019; 14:36. [PMID: 30736861 PMCID: PMC6368795 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-019-1017-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Rare or orphan diseases often are inherited and overwhelmingly affect children. Many of these diseases have no treatments, are incurable, and have a devastating impact on patients and their families. Regulatory standards for drug approval for rare diseases must ensure that patients receive safe and efficacious treatments. However, regulatory bodies have shown flexibility in applying these standards to drug development in rare diseases, given the unique challenges that hinder efficient and effective traditional clinical trials, including low patient numbers, limited understanding of disease pathology and progression, variability in disease presentation, and a lack of established endpoints. To take steps toward improving rare disease clinical development strategies under current global regulatory statutes, Amicus Therapeutics, Inc. and BioNJ convened a 1-day meeting that included representatives from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), biopharmaceutical industry, and not-for-profit agencies. The meeting focused on orphan diseases in pediatric and adult patients and was intended to identify potential strategies to overcome regulatory hurdles through open collaboration. During this meeting, several strategies were identified to minimize the limitations associated with low patient numbers in rare diseases, including the use of natural history to generate historical control data in comparisons, simulations, and identifying inclusion/exclusion criteria and appropriate endpoints. Novel approaches to clinical trial design were discussed to minimize patient exposure to placebo and to reduce the numbers of patients and clinical trials needed for providing substantial evidence. Novel statistical analysis approaches were also discussed to address the inherent challenges of small patient numbers. Areas of urgent unmet need were identified, including the need to develop registries that protect patient identities, to establish close collaboration and communication between the sponsor and regulatory bodies to address methodological and statistical challenges, to collaborate in pre-competitive opportunities within multiple sponsors and in conjunction with academia and disease-specific patient advocacy groups for optimal data sharing, and to develop harmonized guidelines for data extrapolation from source to target pediatric populations. Ultimately, these innovations will help in solving many regulatory challenges in rare disease drug development and encourage the availability of new treatments for patients with rare diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew E Mulberg
- Amicus Therapeutics, Inc., 1 Cedar Brook Drive, Cranbury, NJ, 08512, USA.
| | | | - Joseph Giuliano
- Amicus Therapeutics, Inc., 1 Cedar Brook Drive, Cranbury, NJ, 08512, USA
| | - David Jacoby
- BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc., 770 Lindaro St, San Rafael, CA, 94901, USA
| | - Franklin K Johnson
- Amicus Therapeutics, Inc., 1 Cedar Brook Drive, Cranbury, NJ, 08512, USA
| | - Qing Liu
- Amicus Therapeutics, Inc., 1 Cedar Brook Drive, Cranbury, NJ, 08512, USA
| | - Deborah Marsden
- Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical, Inc., 60 Leveroni Ct, Novato, CA, 94949, USA
| | - Scott McGoohan
- Vertex Pharmaceuticals, 50 Northern Ave, Boston, MA, 02210, USA
| | - Robert Nelson
- Johnson & Johnson, 920 Route 202 South, Raritan, NJ, 08869, USA
| | - Nita Patel
- Amicus Therapeutics, Inc., 1 Cedar Brook Drive, Cranbury, NJ, 08512, USA
| | - Klaus Romero
- Critical Path Institute, 1730 East River Rd, Tucson, AZ, 85718, USA
| | - Vikram Sinha
- Merck & Co, Inc. 351 North Sumneytown Pike, North Wales, PA, 19454, USA
| | - Sheela Sitaraman
- Amicus Therapeutics, Inc., 1 Cedar Brook Drive, Cranbury, NJ, 08512, USA
| | - John Spaltro
- Amicus Therapeutics, Inc., 1 Cedar Brook Drive, Cranbury, NJ, 08512, USA
| | - Vivian Kessler
- Amicus Therapeutics, Inc., 1 Cedar Brook Drive, Cranbury, NJ, 08512, USA
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14
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Romigi A, Vitrani G, Lo Giudice T, Centonze D, Franco V. Profile of pitolisant in the management of narcolepsy: design, development, and place in therapy. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2018; 12:2665-2675. [PMID: 30214155 PMCID: PMC6124464 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s101145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Narcolepsy is a rare sleep disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and rapid eye movement sleep dysregulation, manifesting as cataplexy and sleep paralysis, as well as hypnagogic and hypnopompic hallucinations. Disease onset may occur at any age, although adolescents and young adults are mainly affected. Currently, the diagnosis delay ranges from 8 to 10 years and drug therapy may only attenuate symptoms. Pitolisant is a first-in-class new drug currently authorized by the European Medicines Agency to treat narcolepsy with or without cataplexy in adults and with an expanded evaluation for the treatment of neurologic diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy. This article reviews the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile of pitolisant, highlighting its effectiveness and safety in patients with narcolepsy. We performed a systematic review of the literature using PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar. We report on the efficacy and safety data of pitolisant in narcoleptic patients regarding cataplexy episodes and subjective and objective daytime sleepiness. The development program of pitolisant was characterized by eight Phase II/III studies. One proof-of-concept study followed by two pivotal studies, three randomized controlled trials, and two open studies were evaluated. Our review confirmed the effectiveness of pitolisant in treating major clinically relevant narcolepsy symptoms, including cataplexy, as compared to placebo. In addition, pitolisant revealed a safe profile when compared with placebo and active comparators. Headache, insomnia, and nausea were the prominent side effects. Further long-term randomized controlled trials comparing the efficacy of pitolisant with active comparators (ie, modafinil and sodium oxybate) may clarify its real place in therapy and its possible use as a first-line agent on the basis of its safety and tolerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Romigi
- IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Mediterraneo Neuromed, Pozzilli (IS), Italy,
| | - Giuseppe Vitrani
- IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Mediterraneo Neuromed, Pozzilli (IS), Italy,
| | | | - Diego Centonze
- IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Mediterraneo Neuromed, Pozzilli (IS), Italy, .,Department of System Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata Rome, Italy
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15
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Jobjörnsson S, Forster M, Pertile P, Burman CF. Late-stage pharmaceutical R&D and pricing policies under two-stage regulation. JOURNAL OF HEALTH ECONOMICS 2016; 50:298-311. [PMID: 27776744 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhealeco.2016.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2015] [Revised: 04/12/2016] [Accepted: 06/01/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
We present a model combining the two regulatory stages relevant to the approval of a new health technology: the authorisation of its commercialisation and the insurer's decision about whether to reimburse its cost. We show that the degree of uncertainty concerning the true value of the insurer's maximum willingness to pay for a unit increase in effectiveness has a non-monotonic impact on the optimal price of the innovation, the firm's expected profit and the optimal sample size of the clinical trial. A key result is that there exists a range of values of the uncertainty parameter over which a reduction in uncertainty benefits the firm, the insurer and patients. We consider how different policy parameters may be used as incentive mechanisms, and the incentives to invest in R&D for marginal projects such as those targeting rare diseases. The model is calibrated using data on a new treatment for cystic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Jobjörnsson
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, Chalmers University of Technology and University of Gothenburg, SE-412 96, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Martin Forster
- Department of Economics and Related Studies, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Paolo Pertile
- Department of Economics, University of Verona, 37129 Verona, Italy.
| | - Carl-Fredrik Burman
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, Chalmers University of Technology and University of Gothenburg, SE-412 96, Gothenburg, Sweden; Advanced Analytics Centre, AstraZeneca R&D, SE-431 83 Mölndal, Sweden
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16
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Javaid MK, Forestier-Zhang L, Watts L, Turner A, Ponte C, Teare H, Gray D, Gray N, Popert R, Hogg J, Barrett J, Pinedo-Villanueva R, Cooper C, Eastell R, Bishop N, Luqmani R, Wordsworth P, Kaye J. The RUDY study platform - a novel approach to patient driven research in rare musculoskeletal diseases. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2016; 11:150. [PMID: 27825362 PMCID: PMC5101709 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-016-0528-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2016] [Accepted: 10/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research into rare diseases is becoming more common, with recognition of the significant diagnostic and therapeutic care gaps. Registries are considered a key research methodology to address rare diseases. This report describes the structure of the Rare UK Diseases Study (RUDY) platform that aims to improve research processes and address many of the challenges of carrying out rare musculoskeletal disease research. RUDY is an internet-based platform with online registration, initial verbal consent, online capture of patient reported outcome measures and events within a dynamic consent framework. The database structure, security and governance framework are described. RESULTS There have been 380 participants recruited into RUDY with completed questionnaire rates in excess of 50 %. There has been one withdrawal and two participants have amended their consent options. CONCLUSIONS The strengths of RUDY include low burden for the clinical team, low research administration costs with high participant recruitment and ease of data collection and access. This platform has the potential to be used as the model for other rare diseases globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- M K Javaid
- Oxford NIHR Musculoskeletal Biomedcial Research Unit, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK. .,The Botnar Research Centre, NIHR Oxford Musculoskeletal BRU, NDORMS, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7HE, UK.
| | - L Forestier-Zhang
- Oxford NIHR Musculoskeletal Biomedcial Research Unit, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - L Watts
- Oxford NIHR Musculoskeletal Biomedcial Research Unit, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - A Turner
- Oxford NIHR Musculoskeletal Biomedcial Research Unit, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - C Ponte
- Oxford NIHR Musculoskeletal Biomedcial Research Unit, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - H Teare
- Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - D Gray
- Oxford NIHR Musculoskeletal Biomedcial Research Unit, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - N Gray
- Oxford NIHR Musculoskeletal Biomedcial Research Unit, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - R Popert
- Oxford NIHR Musculoskeletal Biomedcial Research Unit, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - J Hogg
- Oxford NIHR Musculoskeletal Biomedcial Research Unit, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - J Barrett
- Oxford NIHR Musculoskeletal Biomedcial Research Unit, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - R Pinedo-Villanueva
- Oxford NIHR Musculoskeletal Biomedcial Research Unit, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - C Cooper
- Oxford NIHR Musculoskeletal Biomedcial Research Unit, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - R Eastell
- Academic Unit of Bone Metabolism, Metabolic Bone Centre, Northern General Hospital, Sheffield, UK
| | - N Bishop
- Academic Unit of Child Health, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - R Luqmani
- Oxford NIHR Musculoskeletal Biomedcial Research Unit, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - P Wordsworth
- Oxford NIHR Musculoskeletal Biomedcial Research Unit, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - J Kaye
- Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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17
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Sampietro-Colom L, Martin J, Moodie J, Zhu F, Cheng D. Hospital-Based HTA and Know4Go at MEDICI in London, Ontario, Canada. HOSPITAL-BASED HEALTH TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT 2016. [PMCID: PMC7123960 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-39205-9_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
The majority of healthcare in Canada is universally provided and publicly funded through the provincial government.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Sampietro-Colom
- 0000 0000 9635 9413grid.410458.cAssessment of Innovations and New Technologies, Hospital Clinic Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Janet Martin
- 0000 0004 1936 8884grid.39381.30Centre for Medical Evidence, Decision Integrity & Clinical Impact (MEDICI), Department of Anesthesia & Perioperative Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario Canada
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18
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Hahn S. Preeclampsia - will orphan drug status facilitate innovative biological therapies? Front Surg 2015; 2:7. [PMID: 25767802 PMCID: PMC4341571 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2015.00007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2015] [Accepted: 02/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
It is generally accepted that the development of novel therapies to treat pregnancy-related disorders, such as preeclampsia, is hampered by the paucity of research funding. Hence, it is with great interest to become aware of at least three novel therapeutic approaches for the treatment of this disorder: exploiting either the anticoagulant activity of antithrombin, the free radical scavenging activity of alpha-1-microglobulin, or the regenerative capacity of placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells. As these projects are being carried out by small biotech enterprises, the question arises of how they are able to fund such undertakings. A novel strategy adopted by two of these companies is that they successfully petitioned US and EU agencies in order that preeclampsia is accepted in the register of rare or orphan diseases. This provides a number of benefits including market exclusivity, assistance with clinical trials, and dedicated funding schemes. Other strategies to supplement meager research funds, especially to test novel approaches, could be crowdfunding, a venture that relies on intimate interaction with advocacy groups. In other words, preeclampsia meets Facebook. Perhaps similar strategies can be adopted to examine novel therapies targeting either the imbalance in pro- or anti-angiogenic growth factors, complement activation, reduced levels of placenta protein 13, or excessive neutrophil activation evident in preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sinuhe Hahn
- Laboratory for Prenatal Medicine, Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel , Basel , Switzerland
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