Posts by: Forest Ray PhD

Forest Ray PhD

Forest Ray received his PhD in systems biology from Columbia University, where he developed tools to match drug side effects to other diseases. He has since worked as a journalist and science writer, covering topics from rare diseases to the intersection between environmental science and social justice. He currently lives in Long Beach, California.

July 6, 2020July 6, 2020

SMN Protein Levels in Blood May Mark SMA Severity, Help Guide Treatment

News

Levels of the survival motor neuron (SMN) protein in the blood of people with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) shows promise as a biomarker for predicting disease severity, a study reports. ... Read more

June 22, 2020July 28, 2020

Alexion Charitable Foundation Giving $1.1M to Assist Rare Disease Community During Pandemic

News, syndicated

The Alexion Charitable Foundation has awarded $1.1 million in grants to programs that support those with rare diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization recently announced. The grants will support ... Read more

June 10, 2020June 10, 2020

Coalition Will Address Racial Disparities in Rare Disease Communities

News

The Black Women’s Health Imperative (BWHI) recently created a Rare Disease Diversity Coalition focused on reducing racial disparities in the rare disease community. Getting a timely and accurate diagnosis for a disease ... Read more

June 5, 2020June 5, 2020

Study Evaluating Nationwide Genetic Carrier Testing Begins Full Recruitment in Australia

News

Full-scale recruitment for an AUD$20 million (about $13.9 million U.S.) nationwide study to screen for severe genetic conditions has begun in Australia. Following the results of a pilot program that ... Read more

March 9, 2020March 9, 2020

Markers of Inflammation Essential for AAV Gene Therapy Use, Study Says

News

Finding biomarkers that capture neuroinflammation is critical to the continued use of gene therapies carried on an adeno-associated virus (AAV) as a transport agent, according to a recent review. AAV-based ... Read more

January 27, 2020June 17, 2020

Risdiplam Succeeds in Treating Type 1 Babies with FIREFISH Meeting Main Goal, Genentech Says

News

Genentech announced, without providing details, positive topline results from the pivotal second part of its FIREFISH clinical trial of risdiplam, now before the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for approval. ... Read more

January 22, 2020January 27, 2020

Experts Develop New Treatment Algorithm for SMA Infants Diagnosed via Vital Newborn Screening

News

A panel of experts has developed a new treatment algorithm for infants diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) via newborn screening, a study reports. Such newborn screens are vital because ... Read more