Marisa Wexler, MS, senior science writer —

Marisa holds a Master of Science in cellular and molecular pathology from the University of Pittsburgh, where she studied novel genetic drivers of ovarian cancer. Her areas of expertise include cancer biology, immunology, and genetics, and she has worked as a science writing and communications intern for the Genetics Society of America.

Articles by Marisa Wexler

IRSF Joins Standard of Excellence Program

The International Rett Syndrome Foundation (IRSF), an organization focused on accelerating research to treat and cure Rett syndrome, has been appointed to the National Health Council (NHC) Standard of Excellence program. “This is a great honor. It recognizes IRSF’s leadership in advancing treatments and cures for patients…

Rett Patients Can Engage With, Benefit From Online Schooling

Participating in school virtually — using a computer with a webcam — is socially and cognitively engaging for people with Rett syndrome, according to a study in Italy. This finding “supports the idea that the children with RTT [Rett syndrome] can benefit from the use of technology-aided programs, such…

Acadia Opening Phase 2/3 Trial of Trofinetide in Young Girls, 2-5

Acadia Pharmaceuticals is launching an open-label clinical trial of its oral investigational medication trofinetide in toddlers and young girls with Rett syndrome, the company announced in a letter to the Rett community. The 12-week Phase 2/3 trial, called DAFFODIL (NCT04988867), aims to enroll about 10 children, ages 2…

LAVENDER Trial Enrollment Complete

Acadia Pharmaceuticals has completed enrollment in the Phase 3 clinical trial LAVENDER, which is testing the investigational medication trofinetide as a treatment for Rett syndrome. Top-line results from the study are expected later this year, according to a press release. LAVENDER (NCT04181723) enrolled approximately…

ORSA Grants Support 2 Rett Research Projects in Canada

The Ontario Rett Syndrome Association (ORSA) announced the awarding of two grants to support research into Rett syndrome in Canada. According to an ORSA press release, grants totaling CA$78,750 (about $62,800) will be given to two selected projects. The funding comes from The Hope Fund, which ORSA…

Music Therapy Seen to Make Mice in Rett Model More Sociable

A music-based intervention helped to normalize certain social behaviors in a mouse model of Rett syndrome, researchers reported. Findings also suggested that repeated, regular exposure to music altered the activity of certain genes in particular brain regions, yielding clues as to the biologic mechanisms through which the intervention works. The…