INFORM Network
The International Network for Fatty Acid Oxidation Research and Management (INFORM) was formed by Jerry Vockley in order to promote research and discussion into the cause, diagnosis, and management of fatty acid oxidation disorders (FAODs). We offer several learning opportunities throughout the year for patients, families, and researchers. Our network will provide a collaborative framework for ongoing communication and research regarding these disorders, as well as work with our partners to sponsor a meeting each year. Please plan to join us in the future to hear from the experts on a wide range of topics from molecular pathophysiology to treatment strategies.
Dr. Jerry Vockley, UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh on the COVID19 vaccination and FAOD patients
Given the risk for significant metabolic decompensation due to an infection, the real protective properties of any vaccine far outweigh ant theoretical risks in my opinion. As for any vaccine, pretreating with anti-inflammatory agents (acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, but NOT aspirin) will decrease severe symptoms and stress related to the vaccine. Due to the presence of a chronic disease, patients with FAODs should be eligible for vaccine sooner than the general population.

Virtual Tissue Bank
The Virtual Tissue Bank (VTB) grew out of the desire to share research sample information and testing results to help advance the diagnosis and treatment of fatty oxidation disorders and the carnitine cycle in order to increase knowledge and help patients worldwide.

INFORM Families
At INFORM Network, we offer a comprehensive resource for families and friends impacted by fatty acid oxidation disorders. Here you can learn the latest developments in genetic research and access important information on screening, diagnosis, and treatment.
Do you reside in Canada and are living with or caring for someone living with a LC-FAOD ?
Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical Inc. is planning a virtual Patient and Caregiver Advisory Board, click below for more information.
The 2021 INFORM Lecture Series will be held on the 3rd Monday of each month starting in February and running through June.
Please save the dates below to your calendar today!
All presentations will begin at 10:00AM EST / USA – check the time in your region or country
February 15, March 15, April 19, May 17, June 21
Upcoming INFORM Webinar
February 15, 2021 / 10:00AM EST USA

Meicheng Wang, PharmD
University of Pittsburgh / UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh
Postdoctoral Associate
2020 INFORM / Ultragenyx Best Junior Investigator Poster Award
Presentation: Cardiolipin-binding peptide improves cellular bioenergetics in mitochondrial trifunctional protein (TFP)-deficient mice and patient fibroblasts
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Daniela Karall, MD
Professor Karall is responsible for inherited metabolic disordersin her current position as a Consultant to the Department for Child and Adolescent Medicine at Medical University of Innsbruck
INFORM committee member
Presentation: Long-term experience with triheptanoin in 12 Austrian patients with long-chain fatty acid oxidation disorders

University of Pittsburgh / UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh
Postdoctoral Associate
2020 INFORM / Ultragenyx Best Junior Investigator Poster Award
Presentation: Cardiolipin-binding peptide improves cellular bioenergetics in mitochondrial trifunctional protein (TFP)-deficient mice and patient fibroblasts


Professor Karall is responsible for inherited metabolic disordersin her current position as a Consultant to the Department for Child and Adolescent Medicine at Medical University of Innsbruck
Presentation: Long-term experience with triheptanoin in 12 Austrian patients with long-chain fatty acid oxidation disorders
Watch Previous Webinars Below
(To view presentations, click image below)
12/16/2019
Emerging Therapies for Phenylketonuria
Join Jerry Vockley, MD, PhD, director of the Center for Rare Disease Therapy and chief, Medical Genetics, at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh for a free webinar. Dr. Vockley will discuss emerging therapies for PKU or phenylketonuria, an inborn error of protein metabolism. The presentation is designed for patients, parents, guardians, and caregivers and will be followed by a live question and answer session.
6/17/2019
The Fate of Medium-Chain Fatty Acids in Very Long-Chain Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase Deficient (VCLADD): A Matter of Sex?
Zeinab Wehbe, PhD Student, Department of General Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine
Laboratory of Clinical Biochemistry and Metabolism
Medical Center – University of Freiburg
Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg
4/23/2018
Loss of Retinal Pigment Epithelium: The Initial Event in LCHAD Retinopathy Progression?
Melanie Gillingham, PhD, RD / Associate Professor /Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics
Graduate Programs in Human Nutrition / Oregon Health & Science University
Modeling LCHAD Retinopathy in a Patient Derived Retinal Pigment Epithelium
Tiffany DeVine, PhD / Postdoctoral researcher /Department of
Molecular and Medical Genetics
Oregon Health & Science University
Approximately
“I appreciate that INFORM always provides us the most advanced, the most professional, and the most comprehensive information about defects of beta-oxidation.”
“Together we can generate the energy to beat these diseases”
“INFORM brings together the best and brightest researchers and physicians from around the world to discuss cutting edge research and best and new practices in fatty acid oxidation disorders.”
“The challenge with being on the cutting edge is that you are always dealing with things that didn’t happen yesterday”.