News

Rett girl has severe immune reaction to high dose of NGN-401

A girl with Rett syndrome participating in a clinical trial testing gene therapy NGN-401 experienced a serious, treatment-related immune reaction. The patient, who received a high dose of NGN-401 in an ongoing Phase 1/2 trial (NCT05898620), experienced signs of systemic (body-wide) hyperinflammatory syndrome, a rare and life-threatening immune…

Intranasal delivery of human NGF eases Rett symptoms in mice

Into-the-nose delivery of a solution containing clinical-grade human nerve growth factor (NGF) improved cognitive and motor function in a mouse model of Rett syndrome, including in male mice with more severe and rapidly advancing symptoms, a study has found. This could be “a non-invasive and effective route of administration…

Female Rett syndrome mouse model mimics patient gene dysregulation

A female mouse model of Rett syndrome manifested gene activity changes that began before the symptoms started and that mimicked those found in people with the condition. Biological pathways affected across the disease’s progression also overlapped with other neurodegenerative and addiction disorders. “Since RTT [Rett] in humans almost…

Targeting CB1Rs restores brain energy production in Rett mice

Increased levels of CB1 cannabinoid protein receptors, known as CB1Rs, may be tied to dysfunction of the brain’s mitochondria — its cellular energy-producing compartments — and to cognitive deficits in Rett syndrome, according to a study in a mouse model. The study also reported that blocking CB1Rs in the…

Many ways to show support for Rett Syndrome Awareness Month

During Rett Syndrome Awareness Month this October, the International Rett Syndrome Foundation (IRSF) invites the community to get involved and help raise awareness and funds for disease research and patient support. The foundation looks to expand on its $58-million investment in Rett research and support to date.

Rett patients see disease progression despite therapy: Study

Women and girls with Rett syndrome experience disease progression and increasing disease burden even as they rely on supportive therapies, a study found. Close to half of all patients in the study needed a hospital or emergency room visit, the researchers said. Children and adolescents saw “increasing disease severity…