Discovering Effective Treatments & A Cure for Fragile X Syndrome

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

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.

Every member of our staff and Board of Directors is a parent of one or more children with Fragile X, making our commitment to this cause deeply personal.

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.

Symptoms of Fragile X syndrome can include developmental delays, social anxiety, and learning disabilities, which vary between individuals.

The Latest from FRAXA

Metabolic and Mitochondrial Crosstalk in Insulin and cAMP Pathways in Fragile X Syndrome

August 28, 2025

Fragile X syndrome research explores insulin and cAMP pathway crosstalk, mapping brain metabolism to guide treatment strategies.

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Fast-paced 3-on-3 basketball game during Patrick’s PALS 29th Annual Fundraiser for Fragile X research at the TRACK at New Balance.

Patrick’s PALS 29 Raises Over $150K for Fragile X Syndrome at 3-on-3 Tournament

August 19, 2025

Fragile X syndrome fundraising took center stage at Patrick’s PALS 29, raising over $150,000 at Boston’s premier 3-on-3 basketball event.

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Lida Zoupi and Laura Oliviera with myelin

Oligodendrocytes: a Potential Route to Treat Fragile X Syndrome

August 15, 2025

This project explores the role of oligodendrocytes in Fragile X. The team will test if improving these support cells’ function can restore normal brain activity to treat Fragile X.

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FRAXA's Impact to Date

Explore 30 years of outstanding Fragile X research.

$36.8M

Direct Investment in Fragile X Research

43

Teams Actively Researching Fragile X Syndrome

33

Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Partners

650

Fragile X Research Grants Awarded