Margarida Maia, PhD, science writer —

Nova Mentis is seeking orphan drug designation from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for psilocybin, its investigational therapy for fragile X syndrome. Psilocybin, found naturally in certain mushrooms — popularly called “magic mushrooms” — is most known for its hallucinogenic, anxiolytic, and psychoactive effects. However, Nova officials…

COVID-19 lockdowns posed additional challenges for mothers and their children — from toddlers to teens — with fragile X syndrome, who saw their sleep habits and well-being disrupted, a small survey in Italy revealed. The findings highlight the need to give specific support to mothers and their children with special…