Tyrosinaemia type I is a genetic, metabolic condition where the body is unable to break down tyrosine due to genetic changes (variants) in the FAH gene. Tyrosine is an amino acid that is a building block for most proteins. These genetic changes in the FAH gene result in a lack of an enzyme called fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase (FAH), which is normally involved in breaking down tyrosine. This leads to a build up of tyrosine that can cause damage to the liver, kidney and central nervous system.

In Australia, tyrosinaemia type I is usually diagnosed after symptoms develop. Tyrosinaemia type I is in the process of being added to Australia’s newborn bloodspot screening (NBS) programs. For more information, please visit the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing: What is screened in the program page.

There are also two other types of tyrosinaemia (tyrosinaemia type II and type III) that are caused by genetic changes in other genes and are currently being detected via the newborn bloodspot screening (NBS) programs.

Synonyms: hereditary tyrosinaemia (type 1); HT1; fah deficiency; fumarylacetoacetase deficiency; fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase deficiency; hepatorenal tyrosinemia; type I tyrosinemia

Universal rare disease classifications provide a common language for recording, reporting and monitoring diseases. Please visit the Rare Disease Classifications page for more information about these internationally recognised classifications.

ORPHA:882 Tyrosinemia type 1

ICD-11: 5C50.11 Tyrosinaemia type 1

Rare diseases typically display a high level of symptom complexity. There is often a wide range of symptoms and the symptoms may vary between individuals in terms of its presentation, severity, duration and impact.

Please speak to your medical team to learn more about the symptoms of this condition.

Rare diseases are often serious and progressive, exhibiting a high degree of symptom complexity, leading to significant disability. Majority of the estimated two million Australians living with a rare disease meet the Australian Government’s definition for disability (in accordance to the Australian Public Service Commission and Australian Bureau of Statistics), and many experience severe and permanent disability impacts. If you or someone you care for is experiencing disability-related impacts from a rare condition, please speak with a health or disability professional for advice. Information about relevant disability support can be found at the RARE Portal’s Disability Support Information page.

Tyrosinaemia type I is a genetic condition. It is caused by disease-causing genetic changes (variants) in the FAH gene located on Chromosome 15.

All individuals have two copies (alleles) of the FAH gene – one on each chromosome that is inherited from each parent. Tyrosinaemia type I is an autosomal recessive condition, which means both copies of the FAH gene must have the disease-causing genetic variants. More information on autosomal recessive inheritance pattern can be found at Centre for Genetics Education: Autosomal recessive inheritance.

If you would like to learn more about the inheritance and impact of this condition, please ask your doctor for a referral to a genetic counsellor. Genetic counsellors are qualified allied health professionals who can provide information and support regarding genetic conditions and testing. More information about genetic counselling can be found at:

• Information on Genetic Services
• The National and State Services pages underneath the ‘Genetic Counselling’ sections listed

In Australia, tyrosinaemia type I is usually diagnosed after symptoms develop.

Tyrosinaemia type I is in the process of being added to Australia’s newborn bloodspot screening (NBS) programs. For more information, please visit the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing: What is screened in the program page.

A timely diagnosis is critical for better patient outcomes, the provision of the best possible care and treatment options, access to services and support, increased reproductive confidence and the ability to participate in clinical trials.

Please speak to your medical team to learn more about the available pathways for diagnosis of this condition.

There is currently one approved treatment that is subsidised by the Life Saving Drugs Program (LSDP) for eligible patients with a confirmed diagnosis of tyrosinaemia type I. More information about eligibility requirements for this treatment can be found at Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing: Hereditary tyrosinaemia (type 1) – Guidelines.

Please speak to your medical team to learn more about the possible treatment or management options for your condition. Treatment will depend on an individual’s specific condition and symptoms. It is also important to stay connected to your medical team so that you can be made aware of any upcoming clinical trial opportunities.

Clinical care for rare diseases often involves a multidisciplinary team of medical, care and support professionals. Please note that the information provided here is as a guide and that RVA does not necessarily monitor or endorse specific clinics or health experts.

Healthcare professionals involved in the treatment of tyrosinaemia type I may include general practitioners (GP), paediatricians, metabolic physicians, metabolic nurses, gastroenterologists, nephrologists, neurologists, oncologists and others. The need for different healthcare professionals may change over a person’s lifetime and extend beyond those listed here.

We are not aware of any clinical care guidelines for tyrosinaemia type I in Australia. If you know of any relevant care guidelines, please let us know via the Contribute page.

The following guidance is available from international experts outside Australia; however, there may be information that is not relevant or applicable to the Australian context, and may not be up to date:

Recommendations for the management of tyrosinaemia type 1 – developed by medical experts with experience managing Tyrosinaemia type 1 from six different countries; published in 2013.

Individuals living with rare diseases may have complex medical issues and disabilities, which are not always visible. It is often useful to refer to their medical history as well as personal information such as a medical card, doctor’s letter, or if available, a rare disease passport, for relevant information.

If you know of any relevant emergency management guidelines or information relevant to emergency care, please let us know via the  Contribute page.

There are specific considerations around participating in rare disease research, including clinical trials. It is important to be mindful of issues such as data privacy, research ethics, consent and differences in research regulations between Australia and other countries.

If you are interested in finding clinical trials for your condition, please visit the following websites; however, there may not be any clinical trials available:

• Australian Clinical Trials
• ClinicalTrials.gov

It is best to discuss your interest in any clinical trials with your medical team to determine suitability and eligibility.

Please note that RVA does not necessarily monitor or endorse each group/organisation’s operational governance and activities.

Australian Organisation:

Metabolic Dietary Disorders Association (MDDA)
Website: https://mdda.org.au/

Metabolic Dietary Disorders Association Inc (MDDA) is the national peak consumer body dedicated to supporting, educating, connecting, and representing all individuals their families and carers living with Inborn Errors of protein Metabolism (IEpM).

Please note that RVA does not monitor or endorse each group/organisation’s operational governance and activities. When engaging with a group, please consider the information on the RARE Portal’s Finding Helpful Peer and Community Supports page.

Tyrosinaemia type I varies between individuals, and each person’s experience is unique.

If you would like to share your personal story with RVA, please visit the Rare Voices Australia: Share Your Story page. RVA will consider your story for publishing on our website and inclusion on the RARE Portal.

For information on available government and social services that provide support for individuals with a rare disease, please visit the National and State Services pages.

People living with a rare disease, including families and carers, often face unique challenges such as diagnostic delays, misdiagnoses, limited treatment options, and limited access to rare disease specialists and support. These challenges may impact people’s emotional wellbeing and quality of life. Many people find it helpful to seek mental health and wellbeing support to cope with ongoing stress and uncertainty. Connecting with people who have shared experiences through a support group may also be helpful. Information about relevant mental health and wellbeing support can be found at:

• Mental Health and Wellbeing Support for Australians Living with a Rare Disease
• The National and State Services pages underneath the ‘Mental Health’ sections listed

Further information on tyrosinaemia type I can be found at:

• Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center: Tyrosinemia type i
• National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD): Tyrosinemia Type 1

Orphanet: Tyrosinemia type 1

GeneReviews^®: Tyrosinemia Type I

Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man, OMIM^®: #276700 Tyrosinemia, Type 1; TYRSN1

This page has been developed by Rare Voices Australia (RVA)’s RARE Portal team. If you would like to see more information added to this page, please reach out via the Contact form. If you would like to share relevant resources for this condition, please visit the Contribute page.

If you are aware of any additional information that may benefit stakeholders with an interest in this page, or if you notice any broken links or inaccurate information, please let us know via the Contribute page.