Clinical Trials in Fragile X Syndrome
To all who have loved ones impacted by Fragile X syndrome, we sincerely thank you for your interest in clinical trials. These trials are beacons of hope during challenging times, and your curiosity and engagement are instrumental in pushing this important research forward.
As a further resource, we offer an enlightening video discussion featuring Holly Roos and Katie Clapp, both mothers to young adults with Fragile X and key figures in FRAXA. Their personal experiences provide unique and heartfelt perspectives on the journey through Fragile X clinical trials.
We understand that you might have questions about what participating in a clinical trial entails. Each study is supervised by a medical professional specializing in Fragile X syndrome. Participation is free, with no need to inform your insurance provider and the freedom to withdraw at any time. Typically, travel expenses are covered.
It's important to know that the FDA usually mandates two successful large-scale clinical trials before considering the approval of a new treatment, however for rare conditions like Fragile X syndrome, one trial with strong results may be sufficient. Upon successful trials and subsequent FDA approval, new drugs become accessible to others diagnosed with Fragile X syndrome, hopefully improving the quality of life for many individuals and families.
Ongoing Fragile X Studies Accepting Participants
Recruiting: Mirum Launches Clinical Trial of MRM-3379 for Fragile X Syndrome
Mirum’s MRM-3379 Phase 2 trial builds on FRAXA-funded PDE4D research and is now enrolling males ages 13–45 with Fragile X syndrome. View eligibility and study sites.
FRAXA Research Foundation Joins COMBINEDBrain Consortium for Fragile X Biomarker Research
Help accelerate research on Fragile X syndrome biomarkers by contributing samples to the COMBINEDBrain Consortium’s project.
Recruiting: BRIDGE Study (BRain Indicators of Developmental Growth)
This study from the Wilkinson Lab at Boston Children’s Hospital is investigating how differences in brain activity affect learning, language and behavior in children with Fragile X syndrome, Down syndrome, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. One of the goals is to find brain markers that predict cognitive, language, and behavioral difficulties in these groups. Another goal is to better understand the differences in brain activity between young children with and without Fragile X and Down Syndrome, and whether these differences are similar in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Additional Fragile X Clinical Trials
Please visit clinicaltrials.gov for a complete listing of Fragile X syndrome clinical trials.
Completed Fragile X Trials: A Journey Towards Progress
Shionogi’s EXPERIENCE Phase 3 Clinical Trial of Zatolmilast in Fragile X Syndrome
Learn more about Shionogi’s EXPERIENCE clinical trials for adults and adolescents with Fragile X syndrome, FRAXA’s role, and the open-label extension of these trials.
Fragile X Clinical Trial of New PDE4D Inhibitor from Tetra
A $200K FRAXA grant enabled a successful Phase 2 trial of a PDE4D inhibitor for adult men with Fragile X, showing strong cognitive gains without side effects or tolerance.
Lovamix: Clinical Trial of Combined Treatment of Minocycline and Lovastatin in Fragile X Syndrome
FRAXA funded the LovaMiX trial of lovastatin + minocycline for Fragile X. 2022 results show safety and support continued study of this dual-target treatment approach.
Positive Results Reported in Phase II Fragile X Clinical Trial of PDE4D Inhibitor Zatolmilast from Tetra Therapeutics
Today, Tetra Therapeutics announces the first unequivocally positive phase 2 clinical trial in Fragile X syndrome, press release below. The results do not depend on carving out a subset of patients or post hoc analysis.
Fragile X Clinical Trial of AZD7325 in Adults
FRAXA funded a trial of AZD7325, a drug that boosts GABA(A), in adults with Fragile X. Led by Dr. Craig Erickson, it also tested innovative biomarkers for future trials.
Clinical Trial of Ganaxolone in Patients with Fragile X Syndrome
Dr. Frank Kooy and colleagues conducted a double blind crossover trial of ganaxolone in patients with Fragile X with FRAXA funding. Results of this study were mixed.
Neuren’s Tofinetide Successful in Phase 2 Clinical Trial in Fragile X
We are pleased to share great news adapted from Neuren’s press release: Neuren’s phase 2 trial has successfully established proof of concept and provides a strong rationale for Neuren to move forward with developing trofinetide for Fragile X syndrome. In this initial small trial with a relatively short treatment period, trofinetide was very well tolerated, with the high dose (70 mg/kg twice daily) demonstrating a consistent pattern of clinical improvement, observed in both clinician and caregiver assessments.
Phase 1 Clinical Trial of Mega Green Tea Extract in Fragile X Syndrome
An early trial of green tea extract EGCG improved cognition in Fragile X. It targets ERβ and reduces overactive PI3K/mTOR/ERK signaling linked to FXS symptoms.
Pilot Clinical Trial of Lithium in Fragile X Shows Promising Results
With $65K from FRAXA, Dr. Berry-Kravis at Rush University ran a pilot lithium trial in 15 Fragile X patients. Results published.
Encouraging Results from First Trial of Minocycline in Fragile X
A clinical trial of minocycline in children with Fragile X found significantly better global improvement vs. placebo, supporting its safety and potential.
Clinical Trial of Aripiprazol in Fragile X Syndrome
With FRAXA funding, Dr. Craig Erickson tested aripiprazole (Abilify) in Fragile X. Ten of 12 participants improved—promising results that were published.
Melatonin Clinical Trial in Fragile X
FRAXA-funded Dr. Hagerman’s UC team explored melatonin’s effects in Fragile X, advancing understanding of treatment options. Results published.