News

Rett syndrome is marked by unusually low levels of LAT1, a protein that’s needed to move amino acids — the building blocks of proteins — into the brain. That’s according to the study, “Metabolic characterization of neurogenetic disorders involving glutamatergic neurotransmission,” published in the Journal of Inherited…

Two young girls with Rett syndrome have been dosed with Neurogene‘s gene therapy candidate NGN-401 in a Phase 1/2 clinical trial, with data so far indicating that the treatment has been well tolerated. Another patient is expected to be dosed in the first months of 2024, with interim…

Leriglitazone, an oral treatment candidate for neurological diseases, can improve the function of mitochondria — known as the powerhouse of the cell — in lab studies with cells from Rett syndrome patients and in a mouse model of the disease. Specifically, leriglitazone therapy restored energy production and reduced oxidative…

Effective communication is a top concern for people affected by Rett syndrome or related disorders, a U.S. caregiver survey has found. Other top concerns for patients include seizures, problems with walking or balancing, loss of function in the hands, and constipation. Recent progress in understanding brain development disorders such…

The Rett Syndrome Research Trust (RSRT) has launched a global registry for parents to share their knowledge and experiences about caring for their loved ones with Rett syndrome. Called the Rett Syndrome Global Registry, its aim is to advance the development of genetic medicines for Rett. The…

Electrically stimulating a specific region of the brain led to improvements in memory in a mouse model of Rett syndrome — and these benefits persisted for several weeks after the brain stimulation was stopped, a new study reports. Repeated brain stimulation could promote even longer-term memory improvements, according to…

To recognize the hopes and pursuits of the siblings of those with Rett syndrome — while highlighting the disease’s impact on patients’ families — Acadia Pharmaceuticals has established the Rett Sibling Scholarship program for U.S. residents. The new program will award 10 higher education scholarships of $5,000…

Injections of botulinum toxin in the muscles involved in chewing were found to reduce teeth grinding in an 8-year-old boy with Rett syndrome, according to a case report. Botulinum toxin blocks the release of acetylcholine, a chemical messenger, at the neuromuscular junction — the place where nerve cells and…

Treatment with a modified version of a signaling molecule called NGF improved survival and normalized behavior in a mouse model of Rett syndrome, a new study reports. The study, “Reversal of neurological deficits by painless nerve growth factor in a mouse model of Rett syndrome,” was published…

October is Rett Syndrome Awareness Month, and the International Rett Syndrome Foundation (IRSF) is encouraging people to go “All In” to support patients and boost critical research. “This October during Rett Syndrome Awareness Month, there are so many ways you can join IRSF to help increase awareness of Rett syndrome…