Discover Allos Pharma’s advancements in a pivotal Phase 3 trial for Fragile X syndrome treatment, Arbaclofen. Learn how their FDA-informed trial design might finally bring hope to the Fragile X community.
Read moreAuthor: FRAXA Research Foundation
Modeling Fragile X Syndrome using Multi-Region Human Brain Organoids

Discover groundbreaking research at UCI by Dr. Watanabe and Dr. Tsai. Using cutting-edge organoid technology, they’re modeling Fragile X brain function and advancing potential treatment testing.
Read moreFRAXA 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. Contact Katie Clapp at FRAXA Research Foundation to learn how you can participate.
Read moreUsing Exosomes to Discover Fragile X Biomarkers

How can a blood test give an accurate picture of brain activity? With this grant from FRAXA, Dr. Martire and Dr. Boussadia will try to use unique particles called exosomes – which can travel from brain cells to the blood stream – to evaluate the effects treatments are having on the brain.
Read moreFRAXA Investigator Lynne Maquat Awarded 2023 Gruber Genetics Prize

Dr. Maquat, 2023 Gruber Genetics Prize winner, discovered NMD, a key surveillance system in the body that protects against mistakes in gene expression. Her groundbreaking research has led to new therapies for Fragile X syndrome.
Read moreComing Together for Rare Disease Day 2023

Today, February 28, we mark Rare Disease Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about rare diseases and highlighting the need for continued research and collaboration. At FRAXA Research Foundation, we are committed to advancing research on Fragile X syndrome, one of the most common rare diseases worldwide.
Read moreRecruiting: Tetra Therapeutics Initiates Phase 2B/3 Clinical Studies in Fragile X Syndrome

Tetra Therapeutics has launched large scale clinical trials of their phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitor for males ages 12-45 with Fragile X syndrome. FRAXA Research Foundation’s basic and translational research pointed the way to phosphodiesterase inhibitors to treat Fragile X.
Read moreTargeting Cognitive Function in Fragile X Syndrome

It has long been assumed that the differences between males and females with Fragile X were simply a matter of degree, with males being more severely affected. But gender differences may be far reaching. This team is working to understand imbalances in how the brain’s neurons transmit signals, with a focus on how differently males and females learn and experience anxiety. They are studying two neuronal pathways which are promising targets for treatment.
Read moreA Look Back at 2022 and Ahead to 2023 Research Prospects

This holiday season you proved that the adage “actions speak louder than words” is entirely accurate. We sincerely appreciate your gifts in action. FRAXA supporters came out in full force to meet the generous $100,000 challenge offered on Giving Tuesday.
Read moreMeet Ryder!

Meet #FriendofFRAXA Ryder! If you would like to nominate someone as a #FriendofFRAXA, we welcome all who have been touched by Fragile X, including friends, grandparents, siblings, professionals and companions alike to become a #FriendofFRAXA with the goal of putting a face to Fragile X for those who may not know someone directly.
Read more10 Year Vision for Fragile X Research – Dr. Elizabeth Berry-Kravis & Dr. Patricia Cogram

In this video we hear from FRAXA Investigators Dr. Patricia Cogram, Professor at the University of Chile, and Dr. Elizabeth Berry-Kravis, Professor at Rush University Medical Center as they reflect on the progress that has been made and visualize what they see happening in the next 10 years for people living with Fragile X syndrome.
Read moreAstrocyte Contribution to Sensory Hypersensitivity in Fragile X Syndrome

Most Fragile X research has focused on one type of brain cells: neurons. But mounting evidence point to problems with astrocytes, star-shaped cells which are vitally important to normal brain function. This team is working to understand how astrocytes are involved in Fragile X and develop treatment approaches that targets astrocytes alone.
Read moreDevelopmental Motor Phenotype in Fragile X Syndrome

One of the lesser known signs of Fragile X is unsteady walking. This is also very easy to evaluate in the clinic: no blood tests are required! With a $100,000 grant from FRAXA Research Foundation, this team will develop objective new outcome measures of gait for future treatment trials and also to see if exercise could improve other symptoms of Fragile X.
Read more$100,000 Donor Matching Challenge From The Robert & Ardis James Foundation

We are thrilled to announce FRAXA Research Foundation’s most significant and unique matching challenge of the year, thanks to the Robert & Ardis James Foundation. This challenge will help us bring top new talent to Fragile X research.
Read more$269,774 Raised for Fragile X Research on #GivingTuesday

Thank you very much for being a part of yet another fantastic and historic #GivingTuesday! FRAXA raised a total of $269,774 with our matching contributions!! This is incredible. Our work would be impossible without you.
Read morePharmacological Modulation of Nicotinic Signaling

Nicotine — familiar to any smoker — tickles nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the brain. These receptors are key to important brain functions including learning and memory. This team will explore whether drugs that dampen these receptors can improve cognitive function in Fragile X.
Read moreClinical Trial Results Reported for Phase 3 CONNECT-FX Study of Zygel™

Results have just been published from Zynerba Pharmaceuticals’s phase 3 clinical trial of Zygel™ in the Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders. In this trial, 212 children and adolescents aged 3 to 17 years were given Zygel or placebo for 12 weeks.
Read moreZynerba Is Now Recruiting for Phase 3 Clinical Trial (RECONNECT) Of Zygel

Zynerba has announced it is now recruiting subjects for a large-scale Phase 3 clinical trial (RECONNECT) of Zygel at sites across the United States, Australia, the UK and Ireland. They are recruiting children and adolescents with Fragile X syndrome for this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multinational study…
Read moreSigma-1 Receptor as a Therapeutic Target for Fragile X Syndrome

Dr. Pouladi’s team is exploring a treatment of Fragile X via the sigma-1 receptor. Drugs that boost activity at sigma receptors tend to calm down overactive neurons. They are also powerful anti-inflammatory drugs.
Read moreSupport the Stevenson Family Campaign

As we tentatively and joyfully begin to emerge from the recent health crisis, it’s awe-inspiring to reflect on how we’ve all benefited from the world’s top scientists coming together to develop vaccines and treatments for COVID-19. That same passion for innovative science motivates us now more than ever to support brain research that could dramatically improve the lives of those coping with Fragile X syndrome.
Read moreFragile X Clinical Trial of New PDE4D Inhibitor from Tetra

With a $200,043 grant from FRAXA Research Foundation, Dr. Elizabeth Berry-Kravis completed a successful Phase 2 clinical trial of a PDE4 inhibitor for adult men with Fragile X syndrome. This trial treated 30 males, 18-45 years of age with a new PDE4D allosteric inhibitor from Tetra Discovery Partners using a crossover design, so that everyone got active drug for part of the time and placebo for part of the time.
Read moreDonate to the Clark Family Campaign

Another year has passed presenting us, and Lucas, with new challenges. People with Fragile X syndrome have an incredibly hard time with any sort of disruption to their daily schedule. Yes, we all do, but for these folks it feels more like an anguishing life event rather than a simple change in routine.
Read moreVersatile Drug Screening Platform for Fragile X Syndrome

Many experts believe that combinations of drugs may be needed to best treat Fragile X syndrome. How can we find the best combinations in the ideal doses? This project — a collaboration between a top university research team and an innovative AI startup both based in Belgium — tackles this challenge.
Read moreHuman FMR1 Isoform-Specific Regulation of Translation and Behavior

Fragile X syndrome is caused by lack of one protein, FMRP. But this one protein occurs in different variations. Do the different versions of FMRP have different roles in the brain, and if so, is there one that’s key? If we could replace FMRP to treat Fragile X syndrome, which version would we use?
Read moreMeet Conor!

Meet #FriendofFRAXA Conor! If you would like to nominate someone as a #FriendofFRAXA, we welcome all who have been touched by Fragile X, including friends, grandparents, siblings, professionals and companions alike to become a #FriendofFRAXA with the goal of putting a face to Fragile X for those who may not know someone directly.
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