The CheckRare Brief

CheckRare Media
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Medicine

A weekly roundup of the latest news in rare disease. The CheckRare Brief delivers a concise roundup of the week's most important developments in rare diseases. Each episode covers FDA approvals, clinical trial updates, conference highlights, scientific publications, and industry news that matter to healthcare professionals, researchers, advocates, and the rare disease community. Produced by CheckRare, The CheckRare Brief helps you stay informed—in just a few minutes each week.

Episodes

  1. 4d ago

    First-Line Therapy Approved for Rare Lung Cancer  

    This week, three developments highlight the rapidly changing rare disease treatment landscape: a Phase 3 setback in Angelman syndrome, continued competition in hereditary angioedema, and an FDA decision expanding access to a targeted lung cancer therapy. Angelman Syndrome: Phase 3 Trial Misses Its Marks Ultragenyx announced results from its Phase 3 Aspire study of apazunersen in Angelman syndrome. The trial did not meet its primary or key secondary endpoints. Angelman syndrome is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder caused by the loss of a working copy of the UBE3A gene. Patients generally have a normal lifespan but can experience significant cognitive and motor impairments requiring extensive lifelong care. Apazunersen is designed to activate the healthy paternal copy of UBE3A, providing neurons with another potential source of the missing protein. The approach is based on a promising biological strategy that has been explored successfully in other genetic diseases, such as spinal muscular atrophy. However, the ASPIRE trial results did not demonstrate a statistically significant change in either the primary or secondary outcomes. Ultragenyx said it was disappointed, particularly given encouraging earlier-stage results. The company will now evaluate the data and determine whether there is a path forward for the program. The results underscore one of the challenges of rare disease drug development: promising early-stage findings do not always translate into success in larger, controlled Phase 3 trials. HAE: Treatment Options Continue to Expand The treatment landscape for hereditary angioedema (HAE) continues to grow. HAE is a rare genetic disorder that causes recurrent attacks of swelling, which can affect the skin, gastrointestinal tract, or airway. Treatment includes on-demand therapies for acute attacks and prophylactic therapies designed to prevent them. There are currently 11 approved HAE treatments, with additional therapies in development. Those in development include Pharvaris’ deucrictibant, which is an oral therapy under FDA review for acute HAE attacks, with a PDUFA date expected in April 2027. The company is also developing a longer-acting formulation of the drug for prophylaxis and has reported positive Phase 3 results. The growing competition reflects how the HAE market has evolved. Companies are now competing not only on efficacy, but also on convenience, dosing frequency, mechanism of action, and route of administration. It also illustrates a broader rare disease trend: once the underlying biology of a disease is understood and a therapeutic target is validated, additional treatments can follow—creating more options for patients. Targeted Lung Cancer Therapy Moves to First-Line Treatment The FDA has expanded the indications of sevabertinib (Hyrnuo) to include first-line treatment for advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer with specific HER2 mutations. While lung cancer is common, these molecularly defined patient populations can be relatively rare. HER2-mutated tumors account for a small percentage of NSCLC cases and occur more frequently in people who have never smoked. Hyrnuo was initially approved in November 2025 as a second-line treatment. The new approval allows eligible patients to receive it earlier in their treatment. The decision also uses the FDA's accelerated approval pathway, which can allow therapies to reach patients based on earlier measures of potential benefit while confirmatory studies are underway. Bayer is conducting a Phase 3 trial, SOHO-02, comparing sevabertinib with standard therapy in the first-line setting. Those results will help determine whether the drug ultimately becomes a standard treatment for this patient population. Looking Ahead Two additional FDA decisions are expected September 19. Ultragenyx's UX111 for MPS IIIA, or Sanfilippo syndrome type A, and IntraBio's Aqneursa for ataxia-telangiectasia both have PDUFA dates that day. The decisions will be closely watched by patients, families, physicians, and the broader rare disease community. References Ultragenyx Announces Phase 3 Aspire Results in Angelman Syndrome https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2026/09/02/3355481/20739/en/ultragenyx-announces-phase-3-aspire-results-in-angelman-syndrome.html New HAE Drugs for Acute and Prophylactic Therapies https://firstwordpharma.com/story/7961829 FDA Grants Accelerated Approval to Sevabertinib for Locally Advanced or Metastatic Non-Squamous  Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer https://www.fda.gov/drugs/resources-information-approved-drugs/fda-grants-accelerated-approval-sevabertinib-locally-advanced-or-metastatic-non-squamous-non-small Produced by CheckRare. Explore additional CME activities, physician interviews, podcasts, and rare disease resources at CheckRare.com. Subscribe to the CheckRare Podcast Network for the latest rare disease education, expert interviews, and weekly news. Part of the CheckRare Podcast Network: Trusted conversations, news, education, and expert insights across the rare disease community.

    First-Line Therapy Approved for Rare Lung Cancer  

  2. Sep 9

    FDA Approves Rare Disease Treatments as Huntington’s Gene Therapy Advances

    In this episode of The CheckRare Brief, we discuss two recent FDA approvals for rare diseases, including Zanvastro for Alexander disease and Besremi for essential thrombocythemia (ET). We also examine a new gene therapy application for Huntington’s disease and what it could mean for patients with this devastating inherited disorder. The FDA has approved Zanvastro, the first drug indicated to treat patients with Alexander disease, an extremely rare and progressive neurological disorder affecting approximately 1 to 3 people per million. The disease is caused by mutations in the GFAP gene that result in abnormal GFA protein accumulation in brain cells. Zanvastro is designed to reduce production of this abnormal protein. The approval was based on data from 49 patients, along with additional data from an open-label extension study. Ionis Pharmaceuticals also received a Rare Pediatric Disease Priority Review Voucher, which can provide priority review for a future FDA application and can have significant financial value. The FDA also approved Besremi for adults with essential thrombocythemia (ET), a rare blood disorder in which the bone marrow produces too many platelets. This can increase the risk of blood clots and abnormal bleeding. Besremi is an interferon-based therapy that reduces abnormal platelet production and is already approved for polycythemia vera. Expanding an existing therapy into additional rare diseases is an increasingly common strategy in drug development, allowing companies to build on existing clinical and safety data while potentially reaching new patient populations. Another important development involves Huntington’s disease, a devastating inherited neurological disorder caused by a mutation in the HTT gene. Symptoms typically emerge in adulthood and can include progressive movement problems, as well as cognitive, psychological, and behavioral changes. uniQure has submitted a Biologics License Application ( BLA), to the FDA for its gene therapy candidate. The submission follows extensive discussions between uniQure and the FDA, with the agency ultimately agreeing that existing three-year data could support a BLA under the accelerated-approval pathway. The application now moves into the formal FDA review process, making this an important development to watch for patients and families affected by Huntington’s disease. Together, these developments highlight several important trends in rare disease drug development—from new approaches for extremely rare genetic disorders, to expanding existing therapies into additional indications, to the growing potential of gene therapy. As researchers continue to better understand the biology of rare diseases, these approaches could open new possibilities for patients who have historically had few treatment options. References FDA approved Zanvastro for Alexander disease https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-drug-treat-alexander-disease  FDA approved Besrimi for essential thrombocythemia https://checkrare.com/fda-approves-besremi-for-treatment-of-adults-with-essential-thrombocythemia/ Uniqure submits BLA with the FDA for a gene therapy for Huntington's disease https://www.uniqure.com/investors-media/press-releases Produced by CheckRare. Explore additional CME activities, physician interviews, podcasts, and rare disease resources at CheckRare.com. Subscribe to the CheckRare Podcast Network for the latest rare disease education, expert interviews, and weekly news. Part of the CheckRare Podcast Network: Trusted conversations, news, education, and expert insights across the rare disease community.

    FDA Approves Rare Disease Treatments as Huntington’s Gene Therapy Advances

  3. Sep 3

    New FDA Approvals for Rare Diseases: From Autoimmune Disorders to Pancreatic Cancer

    In this episode of The CheckRare Brief, we discuss four recent FDA approvals, including LISRAYA for dermatomyositis and Imaavy for warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia (wAIHA), Mimrylo for polycythemia vera (PV), and Rasonque for pancreatic cancer. We also examine the recent measles outbreak in Pennsylvania. The FDA has approved Lisraya and Imaavy to treat two different autoimmune diseases – dermatomyositis and wAIHA. Historically, the standard therapy for autoimmune conditions has been steroids. While still common, advances in our understanding of the immune system and the pathophysiology of autoimmune conditions have led to a variety of treatment options. LISRAYA is a dual TYK2 and JAK1 inhibitor, while Imaavy blocks FcRn, a receptor involved in maintaining IgG antibodies in the bloodstream. Both represent newer approaches to targeting the immune system.These approvals highlight an important trend in drug development– companies are looking at how the same drug might help patients with several different diseases. For example, Imaavy was previously approved for myasthenia gravis, and now it’s approved for wAIHA. Additionally, as is the case with Lisraya, sometimes the breakthrough isn’t discovering a new drug but finding the right disease for a drug that already exists. The FDA has also approved Mimrylo, a first-in-class hepcidin mimetic, to treat excessive red blood cell production in adults with PV. In the Phase 3 study that led to the drug’s approval, 76.9% of patients taking Mimrylo required no phlebotomies between weeks 20 and 32, compared with 32.9% of patients receiving placebo.Mimrylo was filed by Takeda but developed by Protagonist, showcasing a common collaboration between a smaller biotech company and larger pharmaceutical company when it comes to regulatory submissions and commercialization.  In our last FDA approval of the week, Rasonque has been indicated to treat patients with metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma who have received at least one prior systemic therapy or are not candidates for multiagent systemic therapy. Approximately 60,000 patients are diagnosed each year with pancreatic cancer, however, approximately 110,000 are living with the disease. This new medication may help increase the lifespan of patients with this cancer. Study results from the trial that led to the approval were very impressive, with median overall survival doubling from 6.7 months to over 13 months when treated with Rasonque. Finally, a growing measles outbreak in Pennsylvania is putting the debate over vaccines back in the spotlight. The state has reported hundreds of cases this year and, this week, confirmed two measles-associated deaths for the first time in 35 years. Measles is a rare condition, but only because the majority of people have been vaccinated against it. Most measles outbreaks occur when people who choose not to take the vaccines, often due to a lack of trust in the healthcare system. This story emphasizes how fundamental trust is in physicians, science, medicine and the healthcare system as a whole. References FDA approves Lisraya for dermatomyositis  https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-oral-drug-indicated-treat-dermatomyositis-adults\FDA approves drug for wAIHA  https://www.fda.gov/drugs/news-events-human-drugs/fda-approves-first-drug-warm-autoimmune-hemolytic-anemiaFDA approves Mimrylo (rusfertied) to treat adults with polycythemia vera https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-drug-its-kind-polycythemia-vera-rare-blood-disorderFDA approves orphan drug for Pancreatic Cancer https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-class-targeted-therapy-metastatic-pancreatic-cancer Produced by CheckRare. Explore additional CME activities, physician interviews, podcasts, and rare disease resources at CheckRare.com. Subscribe to the CheckRare Podcast Network for the latest rare disease education, expert interviews, and weekly news. Part of the CheckRare Podcast Network: Trusted conversations, news, education, and expert insights across the rare disease community.

    New FDA Approvals for Rare Diseases: From Autoimmune Disorders to Pancreatic Cancer

  4. Aug 26

    Getting a Rare Disease Drug Approved Is Only Half the Battle | The CheckRare Brief Ep

    FDA approval is a major milestone, but for patients with rare diseases, it is only the beginning. In this episode of The CheckRare Brief, we look at two new rare disease approvals, ongoing drug supply problems affecting patients, and a major acquisition that illustrates how rare disease therapies move from small biotech companies into the hands of larger pharmaceutical companies. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted accelerated approval to Ultragenyx’s Genglycos for the treatment of GSD1a. GSD1a is a rare metabolic disorder, caused by mutations in the G6PC gene, that impairs glucose production. The dietary standard of care, uncooked cornstarch every three to six hours, nocturnal feeds, and strict exclusion of fructose, galactose, and sucrose, has sustained life but cannot correct the underlying enzymatic deficiency and is a major burden on patients and caregivers. However, the gene therapy showed a reduction in cornstarch consumption by 30%. Ultragenyx also received a Priority Review Voucher alongside the drug’s approval. The FDA also approved Pasatru to treat patients with FOP, a disorder in which skeletal muscle and connective tissue are gradually ossified. The approval is based on safety and efficacy data from the phase 3 OPTIMA clinical trial in which Pasatru was found to reduce FOP flare ups by 90%. This marks the second FDA approved treatment for the indication, giving patients and physicians options in their management. Sanofi is currently facing supply chain issues, including in their treatments for Pompe disease and hemophilia. An FDA inspection in January highlighted several quality control concerns at a manufacturing plant in Ireland, and in June the FDA followed up with a letter stating that these concerns had not been addressed. While the plant is still open, they are making significant changes to the site to be compliant. Sanofi is doing its best to get therapies back to patients, but the patients are very frustrated about the lack of transparency and the lack of a back up manufacturing plant.  Finally, the pharmaceutical company Biomarin bought Alesta, a small biotech company that is developing a treatment for hypophosphatasia. Hypophosphatasia is a rare metabolic disorder that leads to poor mineralization in teeth and bones. Currently, Stensiz is available as an enzyme replacement therapy but there is always a need for patients to have treatment options. The drug Biomarin just bought, ALE1, is in a phase 1/2 study. Details on the trial are currently unknown, but it would appear the data was compelling enough for Biomarin to buy it. This partnership between small biotech and big pharma is seen often in rare diseases. Small biotechs can be very good at discovering and developing a promising drug, but eventually capital, regulatory expertise, manufacturing, and commercial infrastructure are necessary to get these treatments to patients. References FDA approves Ultragenyx drug for GSD1a https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-therapy-patients-aged-8-years-and-older-glycogen-storage-disease-type-ia   FDA approves Regeneron drug for FOP https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2026/08/19/3347919/0/en/pasatru-garetosmab-grts-first-and-only-fda-approved-treatment-demonstrating-reduction-in-new-heterotopic-ossification-ho-lesions-and-clinician-assessed-flare-ups-in-a-placebo-contr.html     Sanofi drug supply shortage Sanofi letter to Pompe group FDA letter to Genzyme Ireland Sanofi letter to Hemophilia Foundation Sanofi press release (Aug 17) about shortage -            BioMarin buys third rare disease company in a year https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/biomarin-to-acquire-alesta-therapeutics-to-gain-ale1-a-potential-first-oral-therapy-for-hypophosphatasia-adding-an-important-clinical-program-to-biomarins-pipeline-302854068.html  FDA Extends Review of Capricor’s Deramiocel for DMD https://www.capricor.com/investors/news-events/press-releases/detail/354/capricor-therapeutics-announces-extension-of-pdufa-target Produced by CheckRare. Explore additional CME activities, physician interviews, podcasts, and rare disease resources at CheckRare.com. Subscribe to the CheckRare Podcast Network for the latest rare disease education, expert interviews, and weekly news. Part of the CheckRare Podcast Network: Trusted conversations, news, education, and expert insights across the rare disease community.

    Getting a Rare Disease Drug Approved Is Only Half the Battle | The CheckRare Brief Ep

  5. Aug 19

    FDA Approves Multiple Myeloma Drug;  FDA Denies Neuroendocrine Drug; Safety Concerns For Prader-Willi Drug

    On this week’s episode of The CheckRare Brief, we discuss FDA’s approval of Zenbexus (iberdomide) to treat patients with multiple myeloma, the complete response letter issued to ITM-11 to treat patients with neuroendocrine tumors, and safety concerns about VYKAT XR for Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS). The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted accelerated approval to Bristol Myers Squibb’s iberdomide to treat patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma on August 13, 2026. This treatment is a cereblon E3 ligase modulator (CELMoD), a new therapeutic class of drug. The approval is largely based on results from the EXCALIBER-RRMM clinical trial (NCT04975997), a two-stage, randomized, multicenter, open-label trial in adults with relapsed or refractory MM who had previously received one or two prior lines of therapy. Additionally, another new trend is the outcome measure of minimal residual disease, a departure from more traditional measures such as overall survival or progression free survival. In other regulatory news, the FDA gave ITM a complete response letter (CRL) for ITM-11, a radioisotope (177-lutetium) attached to a peptide (edotreotide) that emits beta radiation towards targeted tumors, for neuroendocrine tumors. A phase 3 clinical trial showed the treatment to be significantly better than the control group, with a progression free survival of 24 months in the ITM-11 group versus 14 months in the control group. It appears that the FDA's concern wasn't the drug efficacy but about the manufacturing process. While it is a setback, it does not necessarily mean the drug has been rejected permanently. The company can address the FDA's concerns and resubmit the application. Finally, the Foundation for Prader-Willi Research are voicing concerns about VYKAT XR (diazoxide choline), a treatment approved in 2025 for children with Prader-Willi syndrome to address dysphagia. The main concern has to do with excessive fluid retention occurring in some patients that can lead to other serious adverse events, including cardiac and breathing concerns. The drug was approved last year to treat children with Prader-Willi syndrome to better control their hunger. These concerns highlight the importance of making physicians aware of the drug’s safety and efficacy in a real-world setting following drug approval.  Sources FDA Grants Accelerated Approval For Multiple Myeloma Drug https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260811027471/en/U.S.-FDA-Grants-Accelerated-Approval-to-Bristol-Myers-Squibbs-First-CELMoD-Therapy-ZENBEXUS-in-Combination-with-Daratumumab-and-Hyaluronidase-fihj-and-Dexamethasone-ZDd-for-Patients-with-Multiple-Myeloma-as-Early-as-First-Relapse    ITM Receives Complete Response Letter for ¹⁷⁷Lu-edotreotide (ITM-11) https://www.itm-radiopharma.com/news/press-releases/press-releases-detail/itm-receives-complete-response-letter-for-177lu-edotreotide-itm-11-763/    Prader-Willi Researchers Raise Concerns About the Safety of Approved Drug https://www.fpwr.org/blog/vykat-xr-clinician-recommendations-for-real-world-use-and-monitoring-side-effects Produced by CheckRare. Explore additional CME activities, physician interviews, podcasts, and rare disease resources at CheckRare.com. Subscribe to the CheckRare Podcast Network for the latest rare disease education, expert interviews, and weekly news. Part of the CheckRare Podcast Network: Trusted conversations, news, education, and expert insights across the rare disease community.

    FDA Approves Multiple Myeloma Drug;  FDA Denies Neuroendocrine Drug; Safety Concerns For Prader-Willi Drug

  6. Aug 12

    FDA Approves New Narcolepsy Treatment

    On this week’s episode of The CheckRare Brief, we discuss FDA’s approval of Orzeyful (oveporexton) to treat patients with narcolepsy type 1, CAMP4’s first-in-human clinical trial for patients with SYNGAP1-related disorders, and BioMarin’s termination for their ENPP1 deficiency program following mixed results from their phase 3 clinical trial. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Takeda’s Orzeyful (oveporexton) for narcolepsy type 1 on August 5, 2026. The approval came nearly two months ahead of its September 30th PDUFA date. Oveporexton is an orexin receptor 2 agonist designed to directly target the pathway involved and the underlying biology of narcolepsy. This novel mechanism of action could dramatically change how patients with narcolepsy are managed, giving patients more choices. Plans to dispense the drug via specialty pharmacies following the DEA’s review are underway. CAMP4 is advancing CMP-002 into a first-in-human phase 1/2 trial for SYNGAP1-related disorder, a genetic condition that causes debilitating autistic-like behaviors, seizures, gastrointestinal problems, and intellectual disabilities. There are currently no treatments approved for this rare condition. CMP-002 is an antisense oligonucleotide that binds to regulatory RNA to increase activity of the SYNGAP1 gene and restore SYNGAP1 protein to normal levels.  This clinical trial is a good example of how the rare disease landscape has changed. Advances in genetic testing and the work of patient advocacy groups helped identify these patients and give a once unknown condition a name. Identifying a patient population is crucial to understanding the natural history of the disease, developing clinical trials, and ultimately attracting investment in treatments. Finally, BioMarin has terminated the development of enzyme replacement therapy BMN 401 after their phase 3 trial in ENPP1 deficiency failed to meet one of its two co-primary endpoints. ENPP1 deficiency is a genetic disorder that results in a reduction of pyrophosphate, causing rickets or soft bones. While the trial showed the drug improving pyrophosphate levels, improvements in bone health, the clinically relevant measure required by the FDA, were not observed. This failed trial is very disheartening for the ENPP1 community, but will hopefully aid in providing the foundation for more robust clinical trials going forward. Sources FDA approves Orzeyful (oveporexton) https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-drug-treat-full-range-narcolepsy-type-1-symptoms SYNGAP 1 Clinical Trial To Begin https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2026/07/27/3333378/0/en/camp4-therapeutics-secures-australian-regulatory-clearance-to-initiate-first-in-human-clinical-trial-of-cmp-002-in-patients-with-syngap1-related-disorder.html EENP1 Clinical Program Terminated https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/biomarin-reports-second-quarter-2026-financial-and-operating-results-302845167.html 2026 Orphan Drugs: PDUFA Dates and FDA Approvals https://checkrare.com/2026-orphan-drugs-pdufa-dates-and-fda-approvals/ Produced by CheckRare. Explore additional CME activities, physician interviews, podcasts, and rare disease resources at CheckRare.com. Subscribe to the CheckRare Podcast Network for the latest rare disease education, expert interviews, and weekly news. Part of the CheckRare Podcast Network: Trusted conversations, news, education, and expert insights across the rare disease community.

    FDA Approves New Narcolepsy Treatment

  7. Aug 5

    Episode 1: FDA Advisory Board’s Concerns About New Duchenne Drug, Brain Fog in Immune Thrombocytopenia; August is SMA Awareness Month

    The CheckRare Brief delivers a concise summary of the week's most important developments in rare diseases. Each episode covers FDA approvals, clinical trial updates, conference highlights, scientific publications, and industry news that matter to healthcare professionals, researchers, advocates, and the rare disease community. Madaline Spencer, Podcast Producer; James Radke, PhD; Education Director; Peter Ciszewski,  Founder and CEO, CheckRare   References for this episode’s topics: FDA Advisory Report on Capricor Therapeutics’ Orphan Drug to Treat Cardiomyopathy in Duchenne Muscular DystrophyFDA Advisory Board Report: LinkCapricor’s response: Link Cognitive Decline in Immune ThrombocytopeniaInterview with Dr. David Kuter: Link August is SMA Awareness MonthSMA Awareness Page: Link The CheckRare Podcast Network is dedicated to delivering news, education, and expert insights across the rare disease community. From physician interviews and conference coverage to weekly news updates and patient stories, our family of podcasts connects healthcare professionals, researchers, advocates, industry leaders, and patients with the information that matters most. Produced by CheckRare, each series is designed to advance awareness, education, and clinical care in rare diseases. For more information, visit www.CheckRare.com Produced by CheckRare. Explore additional CME activities, physician interviews, podcasts, and rare disease resources at CheckRare.com. Subscribe to the CheckRare Podcast Network for the latest rare disease education, expert interviews, and weekly news. Part of the CheckRare Podcast Network: Trusted conversations, news, education, and expert insights across the rare disease community.

  • 7 Episodes

About

A weekly roundup of the latest news in rare disease. The CheckRare Brief delivers a concise roundup of the week's most important developments in rare diseases. Each episode covers FDA approvals, clinical trial updates, conference highlights, scientific publications, and industry news that matter to healthcare professionals, researchers, advocates, and the rare disease community. Produced by CheckRare, The CheckRare Brief helps you stay informed—in just a few minutes each week.

Information

  • Creator
    CheckRare Media
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    7
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright CheckRare Media
  • Show Website
    The CheckRare Brief