Marisa Wexler, MS,  senior science writer—

Marisa holds a Master of Science in cellular and molecular pathology from the University of Pittsburgh, where she studied novel genetic drivers of ovarian cancer. Her areas of expertise include cancer biology, immunology, and genetics, and she has worked as a science writing and communications intern for the Genetics Society of America.

Articles by Marisa Wexler

Alpha-synuclein clumps contribute to Fabry kidney cell damage: Study

In Fabry disease, a protein called alpha-synuclein forms clumps inside kidney cells, a toxic buildup that isn’t reversed by conventional treatments. Reducing that buildup can reverse cell damage, opening potential avenues for new treatment strategies, according to “Synuclein [alpha] accumulation mediates podocyte injury in Fabry nephropathy,” which…

Genetic testing recommended for family members of Fabry patients

Testing family members of people diagnosed with Fabry disease can identify new individuals with the condition and improve their health outcomes, a recent study highlights. “Family screening is of great significance in finding new patients with [Fabry disease],” the researchers wrote. “Therefore, genetic counseling should be recommended to all…

EC decision due in May on enzyme replacement therapy PRX-102

The European Commission (EC) is expected to decide whether to approve PRX-102 (pegunigalsidase alfa) for adults with Fabry disease in early May. The therapy’s co-developers, Protalix BioTherapeutics and Chiesi Global Rare Diseases announced that PRX-102 received a positive opinion from the Committee for Medicinal Products for…

FDA puts clinical hold on Fabry disease gene therapy 4D-310

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has placed a hold on the 4D-310 clinical program, an experimental gene therapy for Fabry disease being developed by 4D Molecular Therapeutics (4DMT). The hold was disclosed in a filing submitted by 4DMT to the Securities and Exchange Commission earlier this month.

Gene Therapy 4D-310 Boosts Heart Health in 3 Patients After 1 Year

One year after treatment with 4D-310, an experimental gene therapy for Fabry disease, measures of heart health have improved in the first three participants in a clinical trial, according to new data announced by the therapy’s developer, 4D Molecular Therapeutics (4DMT). “4D-310 holds promise as a potential first-in-class treatment…

Fabry Screening in Men With Pacemakers Not Supported in Study

A program that screened nearly 500 men with implanted pacemakers for Fabry disease found that none of them had the genetic disorder. The findings “suggest that the prevalence of [Fabry disease] in male patients requiring permanent pacing is very low and does not justify a systematic screening,” according to…