Friedreich's Ataxia Center of Excellence at CHOP Awarded $1.275 Million to Advance Medical Research

The Friedreich's Ataxia Center of Excellence (COE) at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) was awarded $1.275 million by the Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA), along with the Hamilton and Finneran families and the CureFA Foundation, to support the development of breakthrough therapies to improve the quality of life for individuals with Friedreich's ataxia.

Friedreich's ataxia (FA) is a neurodegenerative condition that limits the production of frataxin, a protein in the mitochondria, the cells' energy generators. The condition damages the nervous system and impairs muscle coordination, causing problems with movement and sensation that get progressively worse. Individuals may also experience cardiac dysfunction, scoliosis, diabetes, vision and hearing difficulties. About 1 in 50,000 individuals worldwide have FA, including 5,000 cases in the United States. Symptoms typically appear between age 5 and 15, though the condition can sometimes appear later in life as well.   more...

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