Wilson Therapeutics Announces Support of the BIG WOW to Raise Awareness of Wilson's Disease
STOCKHOLM, June 17, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Wilson Therapeutics AB, a privately-held biopharmaceutical company, today announced its sponsorship of the first annual Big Walk on Wilson's (BIG WOW). The event will take place on September 19, 2015 in sixteen cities across North America to increase awareness of Wilson's Disease and raise funds for the Wilson Disease Association.
"Although Wilson's Disease has been recognized for more than one hundred years, many patients have a delayed diagnosis or a misdiagnosis causing disease progression, potentially irreversible organ damage, and even death. We need to raise awareness of Wilson's Disease in order for more patients to be diagnosed at an earlier stage, receive proper treatment, and potentially reduce its debilitating effects. We are thrilled that Wilson Therapeutics is generously supporting this effort," said Mary Graper, President of the Wilson Disease Association.
Christopher Simopoulos, MD, one of the initiators of the BIG WOW continued: "As the father of three sons diagnosed with Wilson's, I have personal experience with the importance of an early diagnosis. With this initiative, my family and I hope that we will be able to raise awareness of Wilson's Disease among the public and healthcare community so that more patients are diagnosed earlier and we can reduce the well-known consequences of untreated Wilson's Disease."
Wilson Therapeutics is sponsoring this important event as part of its commitment to improve the lives of patients with Wilson's Disease.
About Wilson's Disease
Wilson's Disease is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the ATP7B gene, resulting in deficient production of the copper-transporter ATPase-2. Deficient or absent production of ATPase-2 leads to impaired incorporation of Cu into ceruloplasmin and impairment of biliary Cu excretion, which allows copper to accumulate in the body. The build-up of copper in liver, brain, kidneys and other tissues of Wilson's Disease patients produces significant organ damage and dysfunction. Untreated or inadequately treated Wilson's Disease can result in brain damage, liver failure and death. The overall prevalence of Wilson's Disease is estimated to be 1-2 in 30,000 individuals.
About the Big Walk on Wilson's
Bringing together members of the Wilson's Disease community, the Big Walk on Wilson's (BIG WOW), established in Sacramento, California, is the first ever walk across America to raise funds for the Wilson's Disease Association taking place on September 19, 2015. Funds from the BIG WOW will help create a database of patients and enable sharing of information about treatment options. The public is invited to participate by walking in a city currently planning a walk, or by raising funds virtually online. Visit www.wilsonswalk.org for more information.
About the Wilson Disease Association
The Wilson Disease Association (WDA), based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is a volunteer organization striving to promote the well-being of patients with Wilson's disease and their families and friends. WDA funds research, facilitate and promote the identification, education, treatment, and support of patients and other individuals affected by Wilson's disease. Visit www.wilsonsdisease.org for more information.
About Wilson Therapeutics
Wilson Therapeutics is a privately-held biopharmaceutical company focused on improving the lives of patients with Wilson's Disease through development of new treatment options and support for increased awareness and education about Wilson's Disease. The Company's lead product candidate, WTX101, is currently in clinical development as a treatment for Wilson's Disease. Investors in Wilson Therapeutics include Abingworth, HealthCap, MVM Life Science Partners and Neomed. Visit www.wilsontherapeutics.com for more information.
Contact:
Jonas Hansson
CEO
+46709441877
OR
Ami Knoefler
Spark BioComm LLC
+ 1 650 739 9952
SOURCE Wilson Therapeutics
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