Marisa Wexler, MS, senior science writer —

The production of bile acids, which are molecules made by the liver to help with digestion, is dysregulated in people with acute intermittent porphyria (AIP), according to a recent study. Findings suggest the levels of certain bile acids may serve as an objective biological marker of AIP severity, and…

By combing through a database from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), scientists in China have compiled a list of more than 50 medications that can trigger porphyria attacks. Their findings were reported in the study, “Drug-associated porphyria: a pharmacovigilance study,” published in the Orphanet Journal…

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) was the trigger for porphyria cutanea tarda, a condition characterized by painful, blistering skin lesions from sun exposure, for a 33-year-old man in Spain, according to a recent case report. Once his HIV was under control, his porphyria also eased. His case was described…

For this year’s Global Porphyria Day on May 18, supporters are encouraged to wear purple, decorate their homes in purple, and take to social media using the hashtag #PurpleforPorphyria to raise awareness about porphyria and share their stories. Advocacy organizations, including the United Porphyrias Association (UPA) and the Global…

A wearable light sensor may be used to help track light exposure and predict the risk of symptoms for people with erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), a study found. “Our results show significant promise for [the device’s] use in EPP and suggest promise for other photosensitivity disorders,” the researchers wrote. The…

The Phase 2 AURORA clinical trial has met its main goal, demonstrating that treatment with the experimental oral medication bitopertin reduced the levels of protoporphyrin IX in people with erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP). In EPP, disease symptoms are driven by the toxic buildup of protoporphyrin IX (abbreviated PPIX). Consistent…

Treatment with Givlaari (givosiran) was effective for resolving symptoms of hereditary coproporphyria (HCP) in a 47-year-old Japanese woman, according to a recent report. Her symptoms remained well-controlled for more than two years after stopping Glivlaari, according to the report, “A Case of Hereditary Coproporphyria in…

Outcomes for children with congenital erythropoietic porphyria (CEP) have improved over the last few decades, and babies with CEP today are more likely to receive treatment that can improve their survival. That’s according to findings from a study, “Severe Perinatal Presentations of Günther’s Disease: Series of…

Treatment with the oral therapy bitopertin substantially increased sunlight tolerance for adults with erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) in a Phase 2 clinical trial, according to data on all its adult participants. The experimental treatment also significantly reduced levels of protoporphyrin IX (PPIX) and improved quality of life for most patients.

The International Porphyrias Symposium 2023, where experts discuss the latest research into porphyria, will be held later this week and will feature a day dedicated to people with the disease. The symposium, which is designed for clinicians who care for people with porphyria and scientists conducting research related…