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We thrilled to announce first ever UK BPAN Family Day is open for registration! We invite you to join us in London for a dedicated in-person event bringing families and researchers together to exchange knowledge, build connections, and help shape the future of BPAN research. Organised in partnership with Great Ormond Street Hospital, the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), and UCL. This day is about listening to families, strengthening understanding, and ensuring patient voices help inform the direction of research now and in the future! See full details & itinerary for the day here: https://www.gosh.nhs.uk/.../support.../brc-events/bpan-day/ We’re incredibly proud to bring this long overdue day to you alongside the World-class and super committed clinical & research teams Please DM or Email us if you have any questions engage@actionforbpan.co.uk

Today, 28th January 2026 we were invited the BRC/NIHR GOSH Gene Therapy in Paediatrics event to represent our small but determined community. The day focused on bringing together GPs, paediatricians, clinicians and patient advocacy groups to provide an understanding of gene therapy technologies, long term effects, latest advancements & the future of gene therapy.  For us, the most impactful part of the day was hearing from the patients and their families who’ve received gene therapy and the incredible benefits that have been truly life-changing 🩷💙 We’re grateful to be part of these conversations and to ensure BPAN families are seen, heard and represented. We even bumped into one of our own BPAN Gene Therapy Professors Simon Waddington!

Join us at the Brands Hatch inflatable 5K or find one of the 26 locations near you !

Explore our 'About BPAN' page to learn more about Beta-Propeller Protein-Associated Neurodegeneration (BPAN). find out more about BPAN’s symptoms and progression to help you better understand the challenges your loved ones may face. WHAT IS BPAN Beta-propeller protein-associated neurodegeneration (BPAN) is a devastating rare genetic disorder caused by mutations in the WDR45 gene, which leads to abnormal accumulation of iron in the brain. The disease progression typically includes developmental delays, seizures, and movement disorders. There is currently no cure for BPAN. It causes progressive problems with movement, speech, and delays, and can lead to symptoms similar to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. BPAN usually starts in early childhood with developmental delays and seizures, and as it progresses, it can affect a person's ability to walk, communicate, and take care of themselves. Before you read on... We understand that BPAN can be difficult to navigate alone. We are here to provide information and support in any way we can. If you or a loved one have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us. Contact Us This is the BPAN management guidelines that has been created by some of the words leading Drs specialise in BPAN. Be sure to download and share this with your care team BPAN Management Guidelines Symptoms Symptoms of BPAN typically start to appear in early childhood. Common symptoms include: Developmental delay (Usually the first change that is noticed) Expressive language is significantly affected and kids usually develop few to no words Could also be an overall developmental delay Cognitive (mental) decline Can progress to dementia in adulthood Parkinsonism (symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease) Typically does not start until young adulthood Tremors (shaking) Bradykinesia (slow movements) Rigidity (stiffness) Postural instability (loss of balance that causes unsteadiness) Other muscle problems Dystonia (involuntary muscle contraction and spasms) Gait freezing (freezing while walking) Spasticity (stiff, rigid muscles) Seizures Some children may have multiple seizure types Other Symptoms Characteristic behaviours and stereotypes (repetitive, rhythmic motions) Individuals with BPAN can have some symptoms that are typically associated with Rett syndrome Cognitive decline with specific loss of expressive language skills Hand-wringing Seizures Abnormal sleep patterns However, unlike individuals with Rett syndrome, those with BPAN do not appear to have small head size Cause/Genetics The human body is made up of millions of cells. Inside every cell there is a structure called DNA, which is like an instruction book. DNA contains detailed steps about how all the parts of the body are put together and how they work. However, DNA contains too much information to fit into a single “book” so it is packaged into multiple volumes called chromosomes. Humans typically have 46 total chromosomes that are organized in 23 pairs. There are two copies of each chromosome because we receive one set of 23 chromosomes from our biological mother and the other set of 23 from our biological father. Chromosomes 1-22 are called autosomes and the last pair is called the sex chromosomes because they determine a person’s gender. Females have two X chromosomes and males have one X and one Y. If DNA is the body’s instruction book and it is stored in multiple volumes (called chromosomes), then genes would be the individual chapters of those books. Genes are small pieces of DNA that regulate certain parts or functions of the body. Sometimes multiple genes (or chapters) are needed to control one function. Other times, just one gene (or chapter) can influence multiple functions. Since there are two copies of each chromosome, there are also two copies of each gene. In some gene pairs, both copies need to be expressed (or turned on) in order for them to do their job correctly. For other genes pairs, only one copy needs to be expressed. When a single cell in the human body divides and replicates, its DNA is also replicated. This replication process is usually very accurate but sometimes the body can make a mistake and create a “typo” (or mutation). Just like a typo in a book, a mutation in the DNA can be unnoticeable, harmless, or serious. A mutation with serious consequences can result in a part of the body not developing correctly or a particular function not working properly. In the case of NBIA disorders, changes in certain genes cause a person to develop their particular type of NBIA. Changes in these NBIA genes lead to the groups of symptoms we observe, although we do not yet understand how the changed genes cause many of these findings. WDR45 is the only gene known to cause BPAN. WDR45’s main job is to tell the body’s cells how to make a protein called WIPI-4, which is involved in the process of autophagy (cells breaking down their own components in order to recycle the parts). It is not yet clear to us how a decrease in this protein eventually leads to iron accumulation in the brain. Inheritance Although BPAN is a genetic condition and the WDR45 gene appears to work in an X-linked dominant pattern, it is usually not inherited from a parent. To understand inheritance and the variability seen in individuals with BPAN, it helps to first understand X-inactivation and mosaicism. X-inactivation The WDR45 gene is located on the X chromosome. Females have two X chromosomes, and therefore two copies of the WDR45 gene. Males, in contrast, have one X and one Y chromosome, and only one copy of the WDR45 gene. Since females have an “extra” X chromosome compared to males, their cells only use one copy and the other is “turned off.” This is called X-inactivation. Males have only one X, so they do not need X-inactivation, and they use their single X chromosome in each cell. This means that a female with BPAN would have some cells in which the WDR45 gene with the mutation is “turned off” and other cells in which the working copy of the gene is “turned off.” This process happens at random and varies from cell to cell. Some females with BPAN may have milder symptoms because they have more cells where the WDR45 mutation has been “turned off” (inactivated). In contrast, males only have one X chromosome. If their single copy of the WDR45 gene has a mutation, then it will always be activated and they will display BPAN symptoms. This is why most males with BPAN likely miscarry during early pregnancy or have more severe symptoms than the females. Mosaicism In some rare cases, males and females with BPAN have a relatively high level of function, or mild disease. These individuals may have two types of cells in their bodies: some with a WDR45 mutation and some without. This happens when a normal sperm and egg come together at conception but then as the cells begin to divide, a mutation occurs in the WDR45 gene. Having two cell populations like this is called “mosaicism.” The ratio of cells with or without the mutation depends on at which stage of development and cell division the mutation occurred. Parents of children with BPAN can also have mosaicism without having BPAN symptoms themselves. Some parents can have mosaicism throughout their bodies, which can be shown by testing blood or skin cells. Others have a very specific type called gonadal mosaicism, where we believe only some of the sperm or egg cells have a genetic change, but we cannot find it elsewhere in the body. We become suspicious for mosaicism or gonadal mosaicism when a healthy couple has more than one child with BPAN, which has been reported multiple times in the literature. Now that we have reviewed the sex chromosomes, X-inactivation, and the concept of mosaicism, it is easier to understand how a child may be born with BPAN: Most commonly, it is a new change ONLY in the child with BPAN. The WDR45 gene may have been changed in the sperm or the egg, or it may have happened during or shortly after conception. Typically, they are the only person in the family with BPAN. It is important to test both parents to be as sure as possible that the gene mutation is new. Rarely, a couple has more than one child with BPAN. When this occurs, we must assume that the change in WDR45 was inherited from either the mother or father. Either parent could have gonadal mosaicism or mosaicism in additional tissues. It is even possible that the mother could have a WDR45 mutation in ALL her cells, but X-inactivation has turned that copy of the gene off, and it has not affected her health. Sometimes we can prove by testing parental blood samples that one parent has mosaicism or a copy of the WDR45 gene, which helps us understand the chance to have another child with BPAN. Future Pregnancies Finally, because the genetics of BPAN is complicated, there are recommendations to consider after having an affected child: Both parents of a child with BPAN should always be tested. In the vast majority of cases, this testing will be negative. Although the testing cannot detect all cases of mosaicism, a negative result is reassuring. If a mutation is found in one of the parents, it will give them important information about themselves and possibly other family members, including their other children. If a couple has a child with BPAN and additional healthy daughters, their healthy daughters should be counselled as adults and possibly even tested for the WDR45 gene change before they have children of their own. This is a cautious approach that addresses the possibility of a healthy sister inheriting a WDR45 mutation that she does not show due to X-inactivation, but that could be passed on to her children. Genetic counselling can help assess the risks in various families and explain complicated concepts like X-inactivation and mosaicism. Prenatal testing is also available during future pregnancies for those who want additional reassurance. Diagnosis & Testing A brain MRI is a standard diagnostic tool for all NBIA disorders. MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging. An MRI produces a picture of the body that is created using a magnetic field and a computer. The technology used in an MRI is different from that of an x-ray. An MRI is painless and is even considered safe to do during pregnancy. Sometimes an MRI is done of the whole body, but more often, a doctor will order an MRI of one particular part of the body. Typically, the first indication of a BPAN diagnosis is evidence of brain iron accumulation on a brain MRI. Both T1 and T2 MRIs are necessary for the diagnosis of BPAN. MRI findings for BPAN include: Hypointensity (darkness) in the substantia nigra and globus pallidus on T2 MRI The dark patches in the substantia nigra and globus pallidus indicate iron accumulation Iron accumulates earlier and to a higher degree in the substantia nigra Hyperintensity (brightness) in the substantia nigra and cerebral peduncles on T1 MRI The substantia nigra and cerebral peduncles have a thin, dark central band surrounded by a “halo” of brightness Other changes Generalized cerebral atrophy (decrease in brain size) Mild cerebellar atrophy (decrease in cerebellum size) Thinned cerebral peduncle (structure that connects the hindbrain to the forebrain) An MRI done early in the progression of BPAN may appear to be normal or show only nonspecific cerebral atrophy. Iron may not appear until early adulthood. Diagnosis of BPAN is confirmed through genetic testing of the WDR45 gene to find a gene change. Genetic testing begins with sequence analysis , and if no gene changes are found, then it continues on to deletion/duplication analysis . Rarely, an individual with the signs and symptoms of BPAN may not have any WDR45 gene change identified. This can happen because the genetic testing is not perfect and has certain limitations. It does not mean the person does not have BPAN; it may just mean we do not yet have the technology to find the hidden gene change. In these cases it becomes very important to have doctors experienced with BPAN review the MRI and the person’s symptoms very carefully to be as sure as possible of the diagnosis. Management There is no standard treatment for BPAN. Patients are managed by a team of medical professionals that recommends treatments based on current symptoms. After diagnosis, individuals with BPAN are recommended to get the following evaluations to determine the extent of their disease: Neurologic examination for dystonia, rigidity, and spasticity, and parkinsonism Evaluation of ambulation and speech Developmental assessment Assessment for physical therapy, occupational therapy, and/or speech therapy Medical genetics consultation Dystonia (involuntarily muscle contraction and spasms) can be debilitating and distressing to affected individuals and their caregivers. The therapies for managing dystonia vary in method and success rate. Therapies to manage dystonia can include: Intramuscular botulinum toxin Botox is injected in spastic, dystonic muscles to help them relax for a period of time Oral Artane (trihexyphenidyl) Baclofen (oral or intrathecal) One of the main drugs used to treat dystonia, usually first taken orally and divided into several doses each day In the intrathecal method, an implanted baclofen pump delivers medication directly into the spinal fluid Deep brain stimulation Used more often and has some evidence for benefit It involves surgical implantation of a lead, extension and battery pack (IPG) The lead contains 4 electrodes and is implanted in the globus pallidus region of the brain The extension connects the lead to the battery pack (IPG) The IPG is a battery-powered neurostimulator that is placed in the abdomen (or in some cases below the clavicle) Physical and occupational therapy May or may not be indicated for those who are only mildly symptomatic Medication to manage parkinsonism: The symptoms of parkinsonism can be treated with the same medications used in Parkinson’s disease. Treatment with dopamine agonist drugs (like Levodopa) must be started and monitored carefully. In the beginning, the dose is increased gradually until both the patient and doctor feel symptoms are under control. While taking dopaminergic drugs, individuals must be regularly monitored for adverse neuropsychiatric effects, psychiatric symptoms and worsening of parkinsonism. There is often short-term great benefit from Parkinsons medications. However, this usually only lasts a few years and is often eventually limited by the development of dyskinesias (a common side effect that creates unwanted movement). Even after a diagnosis has been made and the appropriate therapies have been chosen, it is recommended to continue long-term surveillance to decrease the impact of BPAN symptoms and increase quality of life. Long-term surveillance for BPAN can include: Medication for spasticity, dystonia, and/or parkinsonism Monitoring of individuals receiving dopaminergic drugs for parkinsonism for: Adverse neuropsychiatric effects Psychiatric symptoms Worsening of parkinsonism Nutrition Monitoring of height and weight in children Swallowing evaluation and regular dietary assessments Assure adequate nutrition Prevent aspiration Gastrostomy tube placement (as needed) Routine eye exams Regular assessments of walking and speech abilities Progression In most individuals, developmental delay and intellectual disability first appear in childhood. Once they reach adolescence or early adulthood, patients often start to regress and cannot regain the skills that they have lost. The average lifespan varies for individuals with BPAN, but due to improvements in medical care, more affected individuals are now living well into middle age. Research You can currently enrol in (or enrol your child in) a natural history study called "BPAN ready". The purpose of this study is to help us better understand the progression of BPAN and identify disease markers that can be used in future clinical trials. This study can be done completely from home and involves entering information every six months and doing a blood draw once a year. You can learn more about this study and enrol here: https://nbiacure.org/our-research/in-the-clinic/bpanready/ *Information Provided by NBIA Disorders Association How you can get involved: Action For BPAN is always looking for families and advocates to get involved with fundraising, If you or someone you know would like to get involved by either creating a fundraiser or doing a sponsored activity please see our Get Involved page and get in touch! Support

Sign up to Step Up For BPAN - Join Action for BPAN in our annual climb up Mount Snowdon to help fund crucial research Step Up For BPAN Thank you for your interest in joining us for our Mount Snowdon fundraiser! Your support means the world to us and will make a real difference in advancing research and support for BPAN. Navigating BPAN can be isolating so we hope the event will also be a chance to bring our community together and form new friendships! Here’s everything you need to know to get ready... What you need to know! How Your Efforts Can Help Your fundraising will play a crucial role in helping Action for BPAN fund a cure or treatment for BPAN. Your efforts will truly help us to raising awareness and funds for this devastating and underfunded disorder that takes so much from so many families. With Action for BPAN's funding and support to dedicated individuals and organisations, we want to ensure the vital research crosses the finish line and improves the lives of those affected BPAN. Contact Us Are you ready to make a difference and raise funds for Action For BPAN? We're thrilled to help you on your fundraising journey! Our team is passionate about supporting you so please get in touch to register your fundraising and let's make your fundraising idea a reality! Select the option 'Fundraising' to talk to us about your idea or query! First name(Required) Last name Email(Required) Subject(Required) Donation Fundraising Spreading Awareness Message for Kelly Message for Nicole Partnership Support Other Message(Required) Submit

Get in touch with Action for BPAN through our contact page or connect with us on social media. Stay updated, ask questions, or find out how you can support our mission. Contact Us & Socials Get in touch! At Action for BPAN, we are always ready to help. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to us anytime. First name(Required) Last name Email(Required) Subject(Required) Donation Fundraising Spreading Awareness Message for Kelly Message for Nicole Partnership Support Other Message(Required) Submit SPREAD AWARENESS You can help us spread awareness for BPAN by liking, following, and sharing our social media pages. You could also help us by sharing your BPAN journeys with us. We'd love to hear them! We feel that by sharing stories and personal experiences it enables us to pass on the information to others who may be looking for answers. Had an amazing fundraiser? Please take lots of pictures so we can share and celebrate all of your accomplishments. SOCIALS @ActionforBPANuk Facebook Please like and follow us on Facebook. K eep up to date with Action for BPAN news, updates and a nnouncements! Read our posts! @action.for.bpan TikTok Please like and follow us on Facebook. K eep up to date with Action for BPAN news, updates and a nnouncements! Watch our shorts! @ACTION_FOR_BPAN Instagram Please like and follow us on instgram. Keep up to date with Action for BPAN news, updates and announcements! View our pictures! @ YouTube Action for BPAN coming to YouTube soon! Watch our videos!