News

People with fragile X syndrome experience greater independence in daily activities and less severe behavioral problems over time, a trend that stabilizes or reverses when they reach their 30s, a study suggests. Researchers found that higher levels of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms were linked to lower independence…

Using a genetic technique called triplet-primed polymerase chain reaction (TP-PCR) could enable practical and inexpensive diagnosis of fragile X syndrome, a study suggests. The study, “Repeat expansion and methylation-sensitive triplet-primed polymerase chain reaction for fragile X mental retardation 1 gene screening in institutionalised intellectually disabled individuals,”…

Tetra Therapeutics and Shionogi announced plans to expand their partnership supporting BPN14770, a treatment candidate for disorders marked by cognitive and memory deficits, including fragile X syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease. The agreement builds on an earlier collaboration between the two companies, and aims to further accelerate…

Zynerba Pharmaceuticals has completed enrollment for the CONNECT-FX trial testing its cannabidiol gel, Zygel, as a treatment for behavioral symptoms in children and teenagers with fragile X syndrome. Recruitment took place at 21 clinical sites in the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. Topline results from…

Treatment with Zygel (ZYN002) may help ease the significant effects fragile X syndrome (FXS) has on children, updated results of a Phase 1/2 clinical trial suggest. Zynerba Pharmaceuticals presented the results at the 2020 American Society for Experimental Neurotherapeutics…

In recognition of Rare Disease Day Feb. 29, Bionews Services launched a social media campaign last month asking patients to describe what makes them rare. Running Feb. 7–29, the #WhatMakesMeRare campaign was aimed at uplifting people with rare diseases by encouraging them to share their stories and perspectives. The…

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized the marketing of Asuragen‘s AmplideX Fragile X Dx and Carrier Screen Kit, a first genetic test to help diagnose fragile X syndrome and determine the likelihood of having a child with the condition. “This novel diagnostic provides doctors and their…

Beginning on Feb. 29, Rare Disease Day, chapters from notable scientific books and clinical review articles covering rare disorders will be available free-of-charge from Elsevier. The offer runs through April 30, and aims to supports work by researchers and clinicians into a better understanding of and treatments for rare diseases, as well…

Starting a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit isn’t easy, but the National Organization for Rare Disorders gave a few tips for those  looking to begin the complex process in its Feb. 20 webinar.  William Whitman…

An abundance of events are afoot around the world to mark Rare Disease Day 2020 on Feb. 29. 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…