How Promising is CRISPR for Fragile X?
Peter Todd, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurology in the University of Michigan Medical School, was awarded a FRAXA Research Grant for gene reactivation with the use of CRISPR. In this interview he tells us about CRISPR in Fragile X research, how realistic is it that it could turn the Fragile X gene back on, and if it can really cure Fragile X.
Niagara Falls went Teal for Fragile X Awareness
Niagara Falls glowed teal on July 22 for Fragile X Awareness Day! Huge thanks to the Illumination Board for this stunning show of support.
Retinoic Acid Signaling is Blocked by Fragile X Mutation
With a 2013-2014 FRAXA Research Grant, Principal Investigator Marius Wernig, PhD and FRAXA Fellow Samuele Marro, PhD at Stanford University found that the Fragile X mutation impairs homeostatic plasticity in human neurons, by blocking synaptic retinoic acid signaling. Retinoic acid is a metabolite of Vitamin A. The system they have developed could provide a powerful new cellular biomarker for screening many treatment approaches.
Fragile X Research Impacted by a Small Group of Thoughtful, Committed Citizens
Congrats to FXAM! Their months of effort paid off with a $35K grant to support Dr. Todd’s groundbreaking Fragile X CRISPR research.
Ringing the Bell at the New York Stock Exchange for Fragile X Awareness
FRAXA and NFXF rang the NYSE opening bell to raise awareness for Fragile X—an incredible moment shared worldwide on CNBC!
Activity-Dependent Translational Profiling in Fragile X Neurons
FRAXA funded new tools at UC Berkeley to track which proteins Fragile X neurons make during signaling, to find targets that improve learning and brain function.
Tetra Discovery Partners Initiates Phase 2 Trial of BPN14770 in Fragile X Syndrome
This 2-Period Crossover Study of BPN14770 is accepting adults males with Fragile X syndrome at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. Principal Investigator of the study is Elizabeth Berry-Kravis, MD, PhD.
A selective inhibitor of the phosphodiesterase type-4D (PDE4D), BPN14770 has shown the ability to improve the quality of connections between neurons and to improve multiple behavioral outcomes in the Fragile X mouse model.
Understanding and Reversing Hypersensitivity to Sounds in Fragile X Syndrome
This FRAXA grant studied why people with Fragile X are overly sensitive to sound and tested drug strategies to calm the brain’s overactive auditory circuits.
Meet Drew!
Meet #FriendofFRAXA Drew! 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.
Three-Dimensional Model for Identifying Fragile X Treatments
With a $90K FRAXA grant, Emory scientists are creating Fragile X brain organoids—3D human cell models—to reveal disease mechanisms and guide new treatments.
Pharmacological Tolerance in the Treatment of Fragile X Syndrome
FRAXA funded MIT work to probe tolerance to key Fragile X drugs, including mGluR5 inhibitors and arbaclofen, and to identify ways to sustain long-term treatment benefits.
Lysogene Partners with FRAXA Investigator Dr. Hervé Moine to Develop Gene Therapy for Fragile X
A research project funded by FRAXA has led to new fragile x gene therapy initiative, this time in France. Lysogene, a French biopharmaceutical company working to develop gene therapy treatments for brain disorders, is partnering with FRAXA Investigator Dr. Herve Moine to tackle Fragile X syndrome.
FRAXA Funded Researchers Present at MA Fragile X Conference
Boston Children’s Hospital hosted a Fragile X conference with FRAXA-funded researchers Dr. Craig Erickson & Dr. Carol Wilkinson presenting.
Meet Zack!
Meet #FriendofFRAXA Zack! 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.
Meet Noah!
Meet #FriendofFRAXA Noah! 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.
Meet Theo!
Meet #FriendofFRAXA Theo! 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.
Repurposing Study II: Evaluating Combinations of Drugs to Treat Fragile X
FRAXA partnered with Healx to use AI to find approved drugs and drug combos that could treat Fragile X. Top candidates are now being tested in Fragile X models.
Meet Giovanni!
Meet #FriendofFRAXA Giovanni! 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.
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.
Meet Adam!
Meet #FriendofFRAXA Adam! 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.
FRAXA Annual Appeal Raised $760,000
Together we raised $760K and earned a $600K match from the Sunshine Lady Foundation, fueling hope for Fragile X treatments and a cure!
Meet Graham!
Meet #FriendofFRAXA Graham! 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.
$17,469 Raised by Friends of FRAXA Volunteers at Bruins Game
Over 50 #FriendsofFRAXA volunteers sold $34,938 in 50/50 raffle tickets at the Bruins game—raising $17,469 for Fragile X research!
Meet Makenzie!
Meet #FriendofFRAXA Makenzie! 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.