Discovering Effective Treatments & A Cure for Fragile X Syndrome

Your support enables FRAXA Research Foundation to fund groundbreaking research and life-changing clinical trials.

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FRAXA's Impact to Date

Read our report for an update on Fragile X research and progress towards a cure.

Explore 30 years of outstanding Fragile X research.

$34.8M

Direct Investment in Fragile X Research

32

Teams Actively Researching Fragile X Syndrome

33

Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Partners

641

Fragile X Research Grants Awarded

How Does FRAXA Help?

FRAXA’s mission is to find effective treatments and ultimately a cure for Fragile X syndrome. We directly fund research grants and fellowships at top universities around the world. We partner with biomedical and pharmaceutical companies, large and small, to bridge the gap between research discoveries and actual treatments.

Treatments for Fragile X are likely to help people affected by autism, Alzheimer’s, and other brain disorders.

What is Fragile X Syndrome?

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common inherited cause of autism and intellectual disabilities. It affects 1 in 4,000 boys and 1 in 8,000 girls worldwide.

Fragile X syndrome occurs when a single gene on the X chromosome shuts down. This gene makes a protein needed for normal brain development. In FXS it does not work properly, the protein is not made, and the brain does not develop as it should.

The Latest from FRAXA

SRC Family Kinase Inhibitor as a Potential Treatment for Fragile X Syndrome

September 14, 2023

Discover the Smith lab’s new approach to treating Fragile X syndrome using Saracatinib, originally a cancer drug. Learn how this $100,000 FRAXA research grant-funded study opens up hopeful avenues.

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Somatosensory Processing as a Therapeutic Target for Fragile X Syndrome

September 7, 2023

Awarded a FRAXA Research grant, Dr. Andrew Stanfield, Dr. Leena E. Williams, and Dr. Damien Wright are set to explore somatosensory processing (sense of touch) in Fragile X syndrome at the University of Edinburgh. Their aim? A noninvasive touch test that could set the stage for future clinical trials in FXS.

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Celebrating Success at Patrick’s PALS 27th Annual 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament for FRAXA

September 3, 2023

Recap of Patrick’s PALS 27: a successful 3-on-3 basketball fundraiser at Bentley University, raising $150,000+ for FRAXA Research Foundation.

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Antisense Oligonucleotides (ASOs) to restore FMRP in Human Fragile X Cerebral Organoids

August 24, 2023

Explore Dr. Richter’s encouraging results with ASOs for Fragile X syndrome. A $100,000 grant now fuels pivotal studies needed to advance toward ASO therapy.

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FRAXA Research Foundation Partners with Autism BrainNet

August 17, 2023

Discover how FRAXA Research Foundation’s collaboration with Autism BrainNet accelerates Fragile X syndrome research by collecting vital postmortem brain tissue. Dive into the significance of brain studies for deeper insights and potential therapeutic interventions.

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ASOs and Fragile X: Addressing the Most Asked Questions

August 16, 2023

Explore the potential of ASOs in treating Fragile X syndrome & FXTAS. Dive into a comprehensive Q&A addressing key questions and breakthrough findings.

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