News

Anavex 2-73 (blarcamesine), Anavex Life Sciences’ investigational oral therapy, safely and effectively eased the characteristic behavioral features and severity of Rett syndrome in treated women, while improving their quality of life, according to top-line data from the Phase 3 AVATAR trial. The findings, indicating that the trial met its…

The Rett Syndrome Research Trust (RSRT) has invested $3.1 million in a slew of research projects as part of its CURE 360 initiative. CURE 360, which launched last year, aims to help move preclinical advances toward treatments for Rett syndrome — with the ultimate goal of developing…

Regulatory RNAs involved in nerve cell signaling and structure were altered in cell and mouse models of Rett syndrome, with these changes also evident in tissue from deceased patients, a study reported. These findings aid in understanding the biological processes impaired in Rett and may reveal potential biomarkers to…

Sex-specific changes in the gut microbiome and associated metabolites came before disease progression in a mouse model of Rett syndrome, a study demonstrated. Notably, the study showed that female Rett mice models mimicked the syndrome’s microbial and molecular signatures better than male Rett mice, which are primarily used in…

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has provided positive feedback about the Rett Syndrome Global Registry — a database of clinical and caregiver-provided information on Rett syndrome patients — whose ultimate goal is to help develop novel therapeutics and a potential cure. The Rett Syndrome Research Trust…

A cellular signaling pathway called the JNK pathway is overactive in cell and animal models of Rett syndrome, and blocking it lessens signs of the disease in these models, according to a new study. “These results suggest that JNK inhibition could offer an attractive therapeutic strategy to tackle RTT…

Acadia Pharmaceuticals and Stoke Therapeutics are teaming up to develop and commercialize new RNA-based therapies — using Stoke’s proprietary research platform, TANGO — for the potential treatment of Rett syndrome. As part of the collaboration, Stoke will receive a $60 million upfront payment from Acadia. “Stoke’s…

The MECP2 gene — mutations in which cause most cases of Rett syndrome — may be important for encoding early childhood traumas into the genetic wiring of the brain, affecting behaviors, a study in mice suggests. Titled “MeCP2 haplodeficiency and early-life stress interaction on anxiety-like behavior in adolescent…

To support scientific investigations that seek therapies and a cure for Rett syndrome, the International Rett Syndrome Foundation (IRSF) is investing $2.3 million in research grants. The IRSF worked with its scientific advisory board (SAB) to determine the studies to advance. To develop treatments for the rare…

The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) asks Americans to plan ahead to participate in the Light Up for Rare campaign to raise awareness of rare diseases. NORD is the U.S. sponsor for Rare Disease Day on Feb. 28. The annual awareness day spotlights approximately 7,000…