News

Rare Disease Day at NIH, organized by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and taking place on March 1, will feature panel discussions, patient stories, research updates, TED-style talks, and a presentation by a Nobel laureate recently recognized for her work on a gene editing tool. The free, virtual…

Nova Mentis is expanding its preclinical pipeline to test a psychedelic treatment known as PLZ-1013 in an animal model of fragile X syndrome. The psychedelic compound, psilocybin, is being investigated as a potential behavioral therapy for fragile X. Researchers at the Canada-based company are collaborating with…

People with rare disorders have a worse healthcare experience than those affected by chronic diseases, according to the results of an international survey conducted by Eurordis-Rare Diseases Europe. Indeed, rare disease patients overall give their healthcare experience a medium-low rating, of 2.5 on a scale of 1 to 5,…

Among people with a so-called premutation in the FMR1 gene, the key gene in fragile X syndrome, males show a faster progression of motor impairments than do females, a study found. The pattern and distribution of brain lesions was also seen to differ by sex, possibly explaining why female premutation carriers…

The function and components of mitochondria — the cells’ powerhouses — are significantly reduced in the cerebral cortex and in neuron-supporting cells of a mouse model of fragile X syndrome, a study shows. In addition, these mitochondrial abnormalities were associated with lower levels of mitochondrial components inside small fatty…

Scores of virtual events are afoot around the world to mark Rare Disease Day 2021 on Feb. 28. The activities are focused on heightening awareness about rare diseases and the hundreds of millions of individuals they are thought to affect. Patients, caregivers, and advocates worldwide will sport denim ribbons…

The International Fragile X Premutation Registry, built to facilitate research into disorders caused by “premutations” in the FMR1 gene, has launched globally and is inviting carriers of these mutations or relatives of fragile X patients to join. Opened last year in the United States by the UC Davis MIND Institute and…

Alterations in a genetic quality control mechanism due to loss of FMRP — fully known as fragile X mental retardation protein — may provide clues as to how healthy function might be restored to cells affected by fragile X syndrome. The study detailing this finding, “Loss…

Women carrying so-called premutations in FMR1, the gene associated with fragile X syndrome, are at risk of developing autistic traits and anxiety, according to a new study in the U.K. Premutation carriers have an expansion of three nucleotides — the building blocks of DNA — in the FMR1 gene. This…

While progress was made last year on newborn screening and other policy issues critical to rare disease patients, a “State Report Card” argues that many concerns — notably out-of-pocket costs for prescription medicines and access to affordable comprehensive care — still need attention. Those were the findings of the…