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

One NTLA-2002 dose lowers rate of monthly HAE attacks by 98%

NTLA-2002, the investigational gene-editing therapy from Intellia Therapeutics, reduced the number of monthly swelling attacks by a mean of 98% among people with hereditary angioedema (HAE) who were treated in the Phase 1 portion of an ongoing Phase 1/2 clinical trial. The one-time treatment also led to sustained,…

Most HAE patients surveyed say they can predict swelling attacks

Most people with hereditary angioedema (HAE) can usually predict an impending swelling attack based on early, or prodromal, signs or symptoms, according to an online survey. However, results showed differing behaviors and definitions for “early treatment,” with 60% of the participants taking medications as soon as early symptoms…

Neck trauma serves as angioedema trigger in woman on telmisartan

An 83-year-old woman suddenly developed angioedema of the airway as a result of neck trauma while being treated with telmisartan, a medication commonly used to lower blood pressure, according to a case report from the U.S. “This case report highlights the rare and often forgotten adverse reaction of angioedema…

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…