News

NHF, InSourceRx Offering Prescription Savings

InSourceRx is partnering with the National Hemophilia Foundation (NHF) to help those with inheritable blood disorders, such as hemophilia, better afford medications. InSourceRx is a pharmacy discount card company that teams up with nonprofit and patient advocacy organizations to provide discounts for essential medicines and supplies. Blood…

Advocates Lobby US Congress During Virtual Rare Disease Week

More than 600 people participated in the 10th annual Rare Disease Week on Capitol Hill 2021, held virtually July 14–22, to advocate for the rare disease community. Hosted by the EveryLife Foundation’s Rare Disease Legislative Advocates (RDLA) program, the event brings together community members from across the U.S. to…

COVID-19 May Trigger Acquired Hemophilia A, Case Study Says

SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, might have triggered acquired hemophilia A (AHA) in a 65-year-old man with a clinical history of autoimmune thyroid disease, a U.S. case study reports. This case suggests that COVID-19 infection should be considered when looking for potential causes of AHA. The study, “…

US Patient Groups Give Thumbs-Up to Rule Against Surprise Billing

The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) is applauding the Biden administration for announcing a rule to protect consumers from surprise medical billing, in a joint statement with 26 other U.S. patient organizations. The interim final rule will implement patient protections required by the No Surprises Act. Surprise…

Gene Therapy SPK-8011 Prevents Bleeds Up to 4 Years

A single dose of Spark Therapeutics’ investigational gene therapy SPK-8011 safely and effectively prevented bleeding episodes and the use of clotting factor VIII (FVIII) for up to four years in men with hemophilia A, according to the latest data from a Phase 1/2 trial and its extension study.

Partnership Aims to Lower Out-of-Pocket Costs for Rare Disease Meds

AllianceRx Walgreens Prime, a specialty and home delivery pharmacy, is partnering with TailorMed, a healthcare technology company, to help lower out-of-pocket prescription costs for specialty pharmacy patients. Medications attained through specialty pharmacies are those used to treat rare and chronic conditions in the U.S., and are often extremely costly. For…