Aromatic L-amino Acid Decarboxylase (AADC) Deficiency

What is AADC Deficiency?

Aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency is a rare genetic disorder that affects the brain.¹ It interferes with the way the cells in the nervous system talk to each other through a person’s neurotransmitters. In AADC deficiency, a genetic mutation leads to a decrease in the amount of neurotransmitters made by the body.^1,2,3

AADC deficiency manifests with several key characteristics and symptoms. Many of these symptoms are noticed when a child is still an infant, at about 10 weeks old:^1,2,3,4

• Poor muscle tone (hypotonia)
• Delayed development in head control, crawling, speech, and other areas
• Body movement disorders such as dystonia (twitching) or hypokinesia (decreased body movements)
• Involuntary eye movements (oculogyric crisis)
• Abnormally excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
• Hypersalivation
• Drooping eyelids (ptosis)
• Gastrointestinal problems such as reflux, diarrhea, or constipation
• Behavioral problems
• Sleep disturbances

How Common is AADC Deficiency? Is it Treatable?

AADC deficiency is an extremely rare disease.¹ Because its symptoms are similar to those of other diseases, it can be difficult and time-consuming to diagnose.^1,3 At this time, there is no cure for AADC deficiency.¹

Certain treatments can sometimes help improve a child’s symptoms.¹ A pediatrician or general practitioner can advise on how to provide occupational or physical therapies which can improve quality of life. In addition, a doctor might refer AADC deficiency patients to a pediatric neurologist, a movement disorder specialist, a clinical geneticist or another specialist who can help identify relevant and helpful treatments.¹

How is PTC Working to Treat AADC Deficiency?

PTC is working on an investigational gene therapy utilizing adenovirus vectors to introduce normal dopa decarboxylase (DDC) genes into the body. Called Upstaza™ (eladocagene exuparvovec; PTC-AADC), this one-time gene therapy treatment supports production of key neurotransmitters. Upstaza has been approved in Europe and the UK for patients 18 months and older.⁵ Upstaza is an investigational drug in the United States.

How Can You Stay Informed About AADC Deficiency?

There are multiple ways to become an AADC deficiency-informed parent, caregiver or health care provider.

If you are a parent or caregiver, please visit AboutAADC.com

If you are a healthcare professional, please visit AADCInsights

If you are interested in no-cost AADC deficiency testing, please refer your physician to the following website for details: https://aadcinsights.com/