Achondroplasia Insights

This week's must-know community updates, latest research & events

March 05, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 1 minute

HealthSpotlight is now AllMyHealth!

Read all about our exciting merger here.

Apply now: feature your voice in our cell & gene therapy series

Cell and gene therapies are transforming rare disease treatment, offering new hope where options were once limited. But how do they work, and what choices exist for your community?

We're launching a special content series to help our 15k+ readers navigate this evolving landscape – and we need your voice!

Be part of the conversation, whether you are:

• A patient or carer

• A patient support group

• Developing cell & gene therapies

• Administering cell & gene therapies

📅 Enquiries close: March 12

Let's educate, advocate and drive change together.

Latest Research

In a study by Merchant et al. (2025), the clinical and economic impacts of achondroplasia were examined by comparing individuals with the condition to matched controls without it. The study focused on healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) and associated costs, providing insights into the economic burden of the disease. The research highlighted that achondroplasia affects not only the physical health but also the economic well-being of those diagnosed with it.

The findings revealed that both pediatric and adult populations with achondroplasia incurred higher healthcare costs and utilized more healthcare resources compared to the control group. This suggests that achondroplasia leads to increased medical needs throughout an individual's life, which translates into a significant economic impact. The study underscores the importance of understanding the full scope of achondroplasia's burden on patients and the healthcare system.

Community News

Little People of AmericaFeb 27, 2025

LPA Scholarships are now open! 🎓

As part of our commitment to supporting the dwarfism community, LPA offers educational scholarships to students attending college or vocational school in the US. Awards range from $250 to $1,000.

𝐖𝐡𝐨 𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐲?

🌟 LPA members with a medically diagnosed form of dwarfism

🌟 Immediate family members of LPs who are also paid LPA members

🌟 Individuals with dwarfism who are not LPA members

LPA’s scholarship committee is now reviewing applications for the 2025-26 academic year! Scholarships are limited and not guaranteed, so apply early. The deadline to apply is April 6. 📅

🔗 Apply Here:lpa.awardspring.com

Dwarf Athletic Association of AmericaMar 04, 2025

Not only is @4ft5photographer an exceptionally talented photographer, but apparently he enjoys tormenting himself for a good cause. Better him than us. Please visit https://tinyurl.com/yh6whwsn or click the link in our bio to support his generosity! We’ll probably be cheering him on from the couch with 26.2 donuts.

Human Growth FoundationMar 04, 2025

Standing tall isn’t just about height, it’s about #resilience,#courage, and refusing to let anything hold you back. Like Tom Cruise, who turned #challenges into #strength, we can all rise above #negativity. Let’s stand together against bullying and #empower each other to chase our #dreams. 💪✨

👉 Visit saynobullying.org/resources for tips and tools to prevent #bullying and #support those in need.