Disease Areas
FA is a genetic, debilitating and life-shortening neuromuscular disease, affecting approximately 15,000 individuals globally.1 Early symptoms of FA, such as progressive loss of coordination, muscle weakness and fatigue, typically appear in children and can overlap with other diseases. Many people with FA use walking aids and often require a wheelchair. Most people will need to use a wheelchair within 10 to 20 years after diagnosis. Other symptoms of FA include vision impairment, hearing loss, slurred speech, aggressive scoliosis, diabetes mellitus, and serious heart conditions.1
Biogen acquired Reata Pharmaceuticals in September 2023, and we are proud to build on the outstanding work Reata has done to launch the first and only U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Commission (EC) approved treatment for FA in adults and adolescents aged 16 years and older. Biogen will leverage our rare disease expertise and capabilities to help bring this treatment to more patients living with this devastating disease.
Approximately 75% of people with FA are diagnosed between 5 and 18 years of age.1
The average life expectancy for people living with FA is 37 years.2
Most people living with FA will need to use a wheelchair within 10-20 years of their first symptoms. 3
1. Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance - What is FA? (curefa.org).
2. Parkinson MH, Boesch S, Nachbauer W, Mariotti C, Giunti P. Clinical features of Friedreich's ataxia: classical and atypical phenotypes. J Neurochem. 2013; 126 Suppl 1:103-17
3. Rummey C, Farmer JM and Lynch DR. Predictors of loss of ambulation in Friedreich's ataxia. E Clinical Medicine, 2020;18:100213