Synonyms: MD | Menkes kinky hair disease | Menkes syndrome
A rare congenital disorder of copper metabolism with severe multisystemic manifestations that are primarily characterized by progressive neurodegeneration and marked connective tissue anomalies. A pathognomonic feature is the typical sparse abnormal steely hair.
Data from Orphanet are used to provide information on a disease's name, synonym(s), and overview. Reference: Access aggregated data from Orphanet at Orphadata. Orphadata: Free access data from Orphanet. © INSERM 1999. Available on http://www.orphadata.org. Data version May 2026
Newly diagnosed with
Menkes disease?
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Advocacy Organizations
Access to Life NGO
Our mission is to improve the lives of people affected by genetic epilepsies by empowering patients and families, advancing access to diagnosis and treatment, supporting research, and advocating for equitable, patient-centered care in Ukraine in alignment with global rare disease standards.
Genetic Epilepsy Team Australia
Collaboration of research and care
Louisiana Metabolic Disorders Coalition
We support, educate, and advocate for patients & families affected by metabolic disorders.
Mississippi Metabolics Foundation
Our mission at Mississippi Metabolics Foundation (MMF) is to advocate, educate, and support families in MS affected by genetic metabolic disorders/inborn errors of metabolism (IEM's). MMF promotes initiatives and further advancements in legislation, education, research, clinical trials, studies, therapies, targeted treatments, and eventual cures for IEM’s and all rare diseases.
Rare Epilepsy Network (REN)
Improving outcomes of people with rare epilepsies through an innovative collaborative infrastructure that drives urgent, patient-centered research, educaiton and advocacy.
ReNU2 United
ReNU2 United fosters collaboration, supports families, raises awareness, and advances research into RNU2-2-related neurodevelopmental disease.
The Menkes Foundation
Promote awareness & research of Menkes disease
Uganda Alliance of Patients Organization
Supporting patients to access quality, safe and patient-centered healthcare services.
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Clinical Trials
For a list of clinical trials in this disease area, please click here.