FARA/UCLA Holding Friedreich’s Ataxia Patient Symposium in February

The Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA) and the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) have joined forces to sponsor a Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) patient symposium in Torrance, California, on Feb. 23.

The symposium will be an educational event for people living with FA, including patients and families. It will be an opportunity for the community to connect and to learn more about the latest news in FA research, according to an announcement on FARA’s website.

At the event, participants will have the chance to discuss advances in gene and protein replacement therapy and clinical trial updates, among others topics of interest.

The MOXIe trial (NCT02255435) is a Phase 2 study designed to evaluate omaveloxolone (RTA-408) in people with FA. Omaveloxolone is being developed by Reata Pharmaceuticals in collaboration with AbbVie as a potential treatment for people with FA. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted orphan drug status to omaveloxolone in June 2017. The MOXIe trial is still recruiting patients and is expected to be completed in 2019.

TAK831 is an investigational drug candidate being developed by Takeda for the treatment of FA. TAK831 is currently in Phase 2 clinical trial (NCT03214588) to evaluate its effectiveness versus placebo on upper extremity (arm and hands), motor function and manual dexterity. The study also will evaluate the effectiveness of TAK831 versus placebo on daily activities and others assessments. Researchers are still recruiting participants for this trial; it also is expected to be completed in 2019.

The FARA/UCLA Friedreich’s Ataxia Patient Symposium will begin at 9 a.m. on Feb. 23 at the Torrance Marriott Redondo Beach, 3635 Fashion Way, Torrance, California 90503.

To register for the patient symposium, email Jamie Young ([email protected]). Include your first and last name, your address (city and state) and food allergies. There is no fee to register and lunch will be provided.

FARA has set-up a block rate of $129 per night at the hotel. To reserve a room, please email Jamie Young ([email protected]) and include your check-in date, your check-out date, your room type (double queen or king), your accessibility needs (tub with grab bars or roll-in shower). FARA will try to accommodate needs and preferences. Accessible rooms will be reserved on first come-first serve basis so booking early is recommended. Guests will be responsible for paying for the room upon arrival.