News

Hair Follicles a Potential Biomarker for Fragile X

A pilot study in the U.S. shows that repeated sampling of hair follicles in people with fragile X syndrome, collected both at home and clinics, can be used to measure the levels of FMRP protein — whose production is impaired in fragile X patients. In addition, measuring FMRP levels using…

Fragile X Caregivers Can Identify Anxiety, Study Shows

Caregivers can accurately recognize signs of anxiety in people with fragile X syndrome whose ability to articulate their emotional state is limited, a new study shows. “While most people with FXS [fragile X syndrome] cannot reliably describe their internal body or emotional states to support self-reported assessment procedures, the…

Tripledemic Delaying Completion of Zygel Phase 3 Clinical Trial

A tripledemic — high rates of respiratory syncytial virus, influenza, and COVID-19 — is slowing enrollment in the Phase 3 clinical trial testing Zygel, Zynerba Pharmaceuticals’ experimental cannabidiol gel, in children and adolescents with fragile X syndrome. These environmental factors are causing unexpectedly higher cancellations of the initial…

Children With Fragile X Struggle With Online School: Study

Many children with fragile X syndrome have had poorer academic performance, worsening mental health problems, and more difficulties with social interaction after the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a survey of parents. Problems were generally less severe among children who continued to be schooled in person and parents tended to…

FDA Names Anavex2-73, Potential Fragile X Therapy, an Orphan Drug

Anavex2-73 (blarcamesine), an experimental small molecule being developed by Anavex Life Sciences, has been designated an orphan drug by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a potential treatment of fragile X syndrome. This designation is given to investigational treatments for people with rare diseases, defined…