About Reed’s Disease

Sanfilippo Syndrome is also known as Mucopolysaccharidosis type III (MPS III).  Children with MPS III, have a genetic defect which prevents their body from adequately producing one of four necessary enzymes.  Because of this missing enzyme, all children with MPS III accumulate a compound known as Heperan Sulfate in their brain and central nervous system.  The result of this accumulated waste material is progressive brain damage and, eventually, death – usually in the second decade of life.  MPS III affects roughly only 1 in 100,000 births in the US.  Currently, there are no treatments or a cure.