Cincinnati Children’s Hospital is conducting a research study to learn about a medication called AZD7325 to treat impairments associated with Fragile X syndrome (FXS). AZD7325 is not currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
We are asking you and other people with FXS to be in this research because AZD7325 may be helpful for treatment of FXS, but it needs to be tested to be sure. We hope to learn more about the medicine’s safety and if it works on symptoms of FXS.
About the AZD7325 Clinical Trial
Q: Who can participate?
Adults 18-50 years old who have been diagnosed with FXS may be eligible to participate.
Q: What will happen in the study?
If the adult with FXS qualifies and decides to be in this research study, they will come to Cincinnati Children’s for eight visits over the next 12-16 weeks. All participants complete three treatment phases that will include a two-week treatment with 5mg AZD7325, two weeks of 15mg AZD7325, and two weeks of placebo. There will be a two-week washout period between each treatment phase, meaning there will be no medication for two weeks. The order in which the treatment phases occur is randomized, which means neither you nor the researchers conducting this study will know what phase of treatment the participant is on. But, if there is an emergency, they are able to get this information.
The following is a list of some of the assessments, tests, and procedures that will happen during the study:
- Review of your child’s medical and psychiatric history (including medications).
- Developmental/cognitive testing.
- Blood samples will be drawn.
- Drug treatment will be taken during the research visit and then sent home for regular morning and evening dosing.
- Vital signs and EKG to measure heart rhythm.
- EEG.
- Watch a video with faces on a screen to track eye movement.
- Tasks that test thinking skills, memory, and concentration.
- A caregiver will be asked questions about behavior.
Q: What are the good things that can happen from this research?
We hope that this treatment will make participants feel better or help reduce symptoms, but we don’t know if it will. When we finish this research, we expect that we will know more about AZD7325 and FXS. This may help other people with FXS later on.
You may request to receive a report of Fragile X testing if you want that information. Reports of methylation and repeat counts will be signed by the principal investigator and sent out by mail to families.
Q: What are the bad things that can happen from this research?
AZD7325 side effects seen commonly with 15mg dose are dizziness, tiredness, excitement, nausea, and headache. Less commonly seen side effects are dry mouth, confusion, anxiety, and sleepiness.
- EEG: The saline solution used during EEG testing may irritate sensitive skin.
- Blood Draw: The blood draw may include some mild discomfort, hematoma, infection, bleeding, or fainting. Standard methods and precautions will be used to protect the puncture site from bleeding and infection.
- Psychological Stress: Some of the questions may cause the participant or caregiver to become uncomfortable.
- Other Risks: Every effort is made to keep information confidential; however, this cannot be guaranteed.
There may be other risks that we do not know about yet.
Q: Will I and/or my child be paid to be in this research study?
Participants receive $100 for time and travel for the first visit and $50 for each of the following 7 visits. Travel reimbursement may be available for eligible families.
Q: How can I participate?
Complete the form on this page to have your information sent to the study coordinator Stephanie Booker. She will be in contact with you as soon as possible.
Principal Investigator
Craig Erickson, MD
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center
If you’d like to learn more or apply for this clinical trial, please fill out the form to send your contact information to the study coordinator.
Our Most Recent Opportunities
Study: Parent-Infant Fragile X Intervention (PIXI)
RTI International and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill are conducting an early intervention study to learn about the best ways to support early development in infants identified with the full mutation of Fragile X. Babies 0–9 months old with the full mutation, and their caregivers, may be eligible to participate.
Study: Our Fragile X World Registry
Our Fragile X World collects data from families using online surveys and in-person studies. Topics covered include sensory or behavioral challenges, health care experiences, and the impact of Fragile X on families.
Study: Cognition, Balance, and Walking Patterns in Males With a Premutation
Doctors at Rush University are researching cognition, balance, and walking patterns in people who carry a premutation in the Fragile X (FMR1) gene.
Fragile X Premutation Carrier Study at USC
The University of South Carolina is conducting a research study focusing on the range of language, social, and cognitive features that may be associated with variations on the FMR1 gene. Women age 35-75 who are carriers of the Fragile X premutation may be eligible to participate.
Study to Learn About the Cognitive Profile of Children with a Full Mutation of Fragile X
An Alliant International University clinical psychology doctoral candidate is conducting a research study to learn about the cognitive profile of children with a full mutation of Fragile X. Males and transgender females between the age of 8 and 12 may be eligible to participate.
Parent Survey: Children’s Behavioral Strengths and Challenges
The MIND Group at the University of Minnesota is conducting a survey for parents of children with Fragile X syndrome to learn about how genetic and neurodevelopmental differences impact behavioral strengths and challenges. Parents of 3–17 year old children living with Fragile X are eligible to participate.
