Galactosemia “Voice of the Patient” Report Published to Help Inform the FDA and Researchers

Rare Daily Staff

The Galactosemia Foundation and the National Organization for Rare Disorders have jointly published the galactosemia community’s first “Voice of the Patient” report.

This report provides a comprehensive overview of patient and caregiver experiences with this rare metabolic disease, which currently has no approved treatment options.

Insights from this report will be used to help inform the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and researchers to aid in the development and assessment of therapies to improve the health and well-being of those with galactosemia.

Galactosemia is a rare genetic metabolic condition in which a child is born without the enzyme which breaks down the simple sugar galactose. Instead of being metabolized normally, the galactose stays and causes toxic byproducts to be released. These agents cause damage to internal organs such as the brain, liver, eyes, and reproductive system. While this disorder affects each person differently, many people encounter cataracts, learning disabilities, speech disorders, neurological/motor impairments, and growth delays. Nearly 100 percent of infants with galactosemia can be diagnosed in newborn screening programs using a blood sample from the heel stick. Almost all cases of classic galactosemia would be fatal within 10-14 days of life if not diagnosed and treated. The only current treatment is following a galactose-free diet, which restricts adding galactose to the body. It does not, however, combat the galactose that the body creates on its own, which is ten times more than the amount in a galactose-free diet, and causes further damage to the internal organs. This can cause difficult life circumstances as individuals grow into adulthood (i.e., tremors, seizures, inability to live independently, speech issues, infertility, etc.).

The report follows a historic Externally Led Patient-Focused Drug Development (EL-PFDD) meeting hosted by the Galactosemia Foundation and NORD last September. It was the first time the galactosemia community, including family members, caregivers, and advocates, came together to share valuable insights with the FDA about the impact of galactosemia on their lives. Nearly 300 attendees shared powerful testimonials on the burdens and complications of galactosemia and their future hopes for treatments and a cure.

“As with many rare diseases, medical professionals have an insufficient understanding of the daily burden of galactosemia as experienced by the patient community and the most meaningful aspects of the disease to prioritize and address. That’s why the voice of the patient is so critical,” said NORD CEO Peter Saltonstall. “The galactosemia community’s dedication to well-informed and passionate advocacy was evident throughout the EL-PFDD, and our newly published Voice of the Patient report highlights the tremendous need for innovation and treatments.”

EL-PFDD meetings offer the opportunity for patients and caregivers to provide insights about their experiences with specific diseases directly to the FDA, researchers, medical product developers, and healthcare providers who develop, evaluate, and bring new medications to market. As new drug applications are filed and evaluated, “Voice of the Patient” reports generated following EL-PFDD meetings are a critical resource for the FDA, in addition to mandatory safety and efficacy data.

“Galactosemia can be life-threatening in newborns and causes serious complications throughout every stage of life. Our community is desperate for a treatment option,” said Nicole Casale, president of the Galactosemia Foundation. “We are grateful for the opportunity to share directly with the FDA information about the developmental, cognitive, behavioral, and physical complications of the disease and the impact on patients’ and families’ lives. By speaking out and sharing our experiences, we hope to be part of building a better future for people with galactosemia.”

The “Voice of the Patient” report is available for download now, and a recording of the entire EL-PFDD meeting on galactosemia can be viewed here.

Photo: NORD CEO Peter Saltonstall