Farber disease

Hands in Farber disease

The symptoms of Farber disease develop over time. The onset of symptoms and how quickly they progress vary from person to person.[5]

The most common symptoms include:[4]

• Bumps under the skin located at pressure points and joints, also called subcutaneous nodules, lipogranulomas, or granulomas
• Swollen, painful joints with progressive limitation of range of motion resulting in contracture
• Hoarse voice/cry

Other symptoms observed in some individuals with Farber disease include:[5][3]

• Respiratory disease, e.g. lung infections, labored breathing, respiratory distress
• Central nervous system disease, e.g. developmental delay, muscle weakness, seizures
• Systemic inflammation
• Failure to thrive
• Bone disease, e.g. erosion of bone near joints, osteoporosis, peripheral osteolysis
• Enlarged liver (hepatomegaly)
• Eye disease, e.g. cherry-red spot, corneal opacities

This condition is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner

Farber disease is caused by variants in the ASAH1 gene. This gene codes for the acid ceramidase enzyme. Individuals with Farber disease have two copies of this gene that are not functioning properly leading to the enzyme deficiency. Over 73 different gene variants have been reported to cause Farber disease. No definitive genotype-phenotype correlations are known.[6]

Farber disease is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. Affected individuals inherit one copy of the gene that is not functioning properly from each parent. Each parent is a called a carrier and has one copy of the gene that is functioning properly and one that is not. Siblings of individuals with Farber disease have a 25% chance to also have Farber disease, a 50% chance to be a carrier like the parents, and a 25% chance of being unaffected and not a carrier.[4]

The ASAH1 gene is also known to cause a condition called spinal muscular atrophy with progressive myoclonic epilepsy (SMA-PME).[4] Farber disease and SMA-PME have been classified as separate disorders, however more recent case reports have identified some individuals with overlapping symptoms of both disorders.[7][8] Some individuals with SMA symptoms without seizures have also been described.[9]

Disease onset is typically in early infancy but may occur later in life. Children who have the classic form of Farber disease develop symptoms within the first few weeks to months of life.[4] Individuals with moderate or attenuated forms may develop symptoms at any time in childhood. Sometimes it is difficult to diagnose Farber disease because the symptoms can be misdiagnosed as Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA).[10][11] Diagnosis is confirmed by molecular genetic testing of the ASAH1 gene or by measuring acid ceramidase enzyme activity.[4]

There is no disease specific treatment for Farber disease. Anti-inflammatory medications, specifically tocilizumab (an interleukin-6 receptor inhibitor), has been shown to improve inflammation and pain in some patients.[12] Bone marrow transplant may improve granulomas (small masses of inflamed tissue) and inflammation in patients with little or no lung or nervous system complications.[13] Supportive therapies such as physical therapy, respiratory support, and mobility aids may be required.

Studies in cells and mice have shown proof-of-concept for enzyme replacement therapy for Farber disease.[14] Aceragen, a biopharmaceutical company, is currently developing an investigational enzyme replacement therapy with a clinical study planned for late 2022.

Children with the most severe forms of Farber disease generally die by age 2-3 years.[4] The life expectancy of individuals with moderate or attenuated forms is unknown. The oldest reported individuals living with Farber disease were in their 50s and 60s.[15]

To date, there have been approximately 200 reported cases of Farber disease and SMA-PME in the literature.[3] The disorders are ultra-rare and estimated to occur in fewer than one per million.[4]

It is named for Sidney Farber.[16][17]

• National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD): ASAH1-Related Disorders
• GeneReviews: ASAH1-Related Disorders
• Thank Farber: Farber disease educational website
• Aceragen Pipeline with Farber
• Free Genetic Testing for ASAH1