Meningiomas represent one of the most common types of primary intracranial tumours. However, the specific molecular mechanisms underlying their pathogenesis remain uncertain. Loss of chromosomes 22q, 1p, and 14q have been implicated in most meningiomas. Inactivation of the NF2 gene at 22q12 has been identified as an early event in their pathogenesis, whereas abnormalities of chromosome 14 have been reported in higher-grade as well as recurrent tumours. It has long been supposed that chromosome 14q32 contains a tumour suppressor gene. However, the identity of the potential 14q32 tumour suppressor remained elusive until the Maternally Expressed Gene 3 (MEG3) was recently suggested as an ideal candidate. MEG3 is an imprinted gene located at 14q32 that encodes a non-coding RNA (ncRNA). In meningiomas, loss of MEG3 expression, its genomic DNA deletion and degree of promoter methylation have been found to be associated with aggressive tumour growth. These findings indicate that MEG3 may have a significant role as a novel long noncoding RNA tumour suppressor in meningiomas.

In 2000, regulation on orphan medicinal products was adopted in the European Union with the aim of benefiting patients who suffer from serious, rare conditions for which there is currently no satisfactory treatment. Since then, more than 850 orphan drug designations have been granted by the European Commission based on a positive opinion from the Committee for Orphan Medicinal Products (COMP), and more than 60 orphan drugs have received marketing authorization in Europe. Here, stimulated by the tenth anniversary of the COMP, we reflect on the outcomes and experience gained in the past decade, and contemplate issues for the future, such as catalysing drug development for the large number of rare diseases that still lack effective treatments.

The survey identified various factors that influenced the perceptions of the safety of OTC medications by the elderly and indicated that pharmacists represent the most trusted source of information about OTC medications.

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