Showing results for Rare Disease Research

Established in January 2020 through a grant from IU’s Precision Health Initiative, the Undiagnosed Rare Disease Clinic uses team science to sleuth out medical mysteries stemming from genetic code errors.

A new publication with contributions from an IU School of Medicine researcher could change the way doctors treat children diagnosed with Kawasaki disease. James Wood, MD, was the local lead investigator and one of the authors of a paper recently published in The Lancet: Child and Adolescent Health, called “Infliximab versus second intravenous immunoglobulin for treatment of resistant Kawasaki disease in the USA (KIDCARE): a randomised, multicentre comparative effectiveness trial.”

In 2019, Dana Mitchell, a fourth-year medical student at IU School of Medicine, was diagnosed with autoimmune encephalitis—a brain inflammation that wreaks neurological havoc. In search of a therapy that would provide lasting relief of her debilitating symptoms, Mitchell reviewed 40 years-worth of research—and discovered a drug combination, not previously used in this disease, that worked to restore her health. She exemplifies the spirit of excellence, an IU School of Medicine core value.

Liana Apostolova, MD, Partners with CME University to Provide Alzheimer’s Disease Course

Neurofibromatosis Therapeutic Acceleration Program invests in developing Steven Rhodes, MD, PhD, as a physician-scientist committed to studying NF1 and identifying new therapies to interrupt tumor progression before it leads to a deadly cancer.

Wade Clapp, MD, has received the Friedrich von Recklinghausen Award in recognition of his significant contributions to neurofibromatosis research and clinical care. Work in his lab at IU School of Medicine is leading to new therapies for people living with this debilitating disease which causes tumors to grow on nerves.

High school senior delivers gift to support IU Parkinson's Disease Center of Excellence

Forty-eight cyclists hit the road in October for the annual Miles for Myeloma ride. Rafat Abonour, MD, leader of the Precision Health Initiative multiple myeloma disease research team, first organized this event back in 2005 and has participated each year. Kendallville Mayor SuzAnne Handshoe proclaimed October 11 as “Miles for Myeloma 15th Anniversary Day” and gave Abonour […]

When Krista Verba went through her first two pregnancies, she experienced minimal complications. But when it came time for baby No. 3, things were different. “We knew ahead of time that things would be a little bit rockier,” Verba said. While pregnant with her second son, Hudson, Verba learned antibodies developed in her blood that […]