Andrea Lobo,  —

Andrea Lobo is a Science writer at BioNews. She holds a Biology degree and a PhD in Cell Biology/Neurosciences from the University of Coimbra-Portugal, where she studied stroke biology. She was a postdoctoral and senior researcher at the Institute for Research and Innovation in Health in Porto, in drug addiction, studying neuronal plasticity induced by amphetamines. As a research scientist for 19 years, Andrea participated in academic projects in multiple research fields, from stroke, gene regulation, cancer, and rare diseases. She authored multiple research papers in peer-reviewed journals. She shifted towards a career in science writing and communication in 2022.

Articles by Andrea Lobo

Enzyme deficiency from CPN1 gene mutations tied to HAE: Study

Mutations in the CPN1 gene leading to a deficiency in the activity of the carboxypeptidase N (CPN) enzyme were found in four families with hereditary angioedema (HAE),  according to a new study from Europe. The team of researchers identified three genetic variants in the CPN1 gene that were associated…

Vision loss caused by optic nerve swelling in man with HAE: Report

A 60-year-old man with hereditary angioedema (HAE) caused by an unknown mutation developed visual loss due to swelling of the optic nerve in both eyes, according to a case reported in Italy. His symptoms eased after starting treatment with Berinert (human C1 esterase inhibitor), an intravenous (into-the-vein) C1…

Haegarda prophylaxis reduces HAE attacks, improves quality of life

Long-term preventive treatment with Haegarda reduced the number and severity of attacks and the use of rescue medications in people with hereditary angioedema (HAE), while improving their quality of life, a recent study has found. “These real-world findings indicate that long-term prophylaxis with [Haegarda] markedly improves important factors that…

Long-term Orladeyo safe, effective in HAE patients: Trial data

Long-term prophylaxis, or preventive treatment, with Orladeyo (berotralstat) is well tolerated, and results in sustained reductions in swelling attacks and gains in quality of life in adolescents and adults with hereditary angioedema (HAE). That’s according to nearly two years of data from the completed Phase 3 APeX-2…

EU panel recommends Takhzyro for children as young as 2

The Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP), an arm of the European Medicines Agency, has recommended the approval of Takhzyro (lanadelumab) for the routine prevention of hereditary angioedema (HAE) attacks in children starting at age 2. Based on a positive opinion from the CHMP, the European…

Knowledge of HAE lacking among pediatricians in Brazil: Study

Pediatricians in Brazil show, in general, a low level of knowledge of hereditary angioedema (HAE), according to a recent study. Even though those who were board-certified specialists in allergy and immunology were more knowledgeable than those who weren’t, their level of knowledge was still considered unsatisfactory. “Based on the…

Benefits seen in HAE with long-term preventive treatment in 6 countries

The use of long-term preventive treatment among people with hereditary angioedema (HAE) was found to significantly reduce the rate of swelling attacks for patients in six countries, according to a new study conducted in North America, Europe, and Australia. Considering the effectiveness of long-term prophylaxis in preventing HAE attacks,…

AAE linked to SLE, lupus nephritis in woman, 22: Case report

A 22-year-old woman with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the most common form of lupus, developed acquired angioedema (AAE), a recent case report notes. “AAE may happen in adolescents and young adults. It could be an early manifestation of SLE,” the researchers wrote, adding that “practitioners must be aware…

Nearly half of HAE patients in UK on preventive treatment: Survey

Nearly half of hereditary angioedema (HAE) patients in the U.K. are on long-term prophylactic treatment to prevent swelling attacks, with more than 80% keeping a supply of on-demand therapies at home to treat sudden flares. That’s according to data from a new national survey that also provided information on…