Are you interested in a language intervention that may help your child with Fragile X Syndrome communicate better?
Dr. Elizabeth Berry-Kravis at Rush University is the Protocol Principal Investigator and is leading a national study, NN107 FX-LEARN. There are two purposes to the study. First, to find out if the drug AFQ056, made by the pharmaceutical company Novartis, is safe and has beneficial effects on learning in children who have Fragile X syndrome (FXS). Second, to find out if a structured language intervention can help children with Fragile X syndrome communicate better.
The trial will be a multi-center, phase II randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled parallel-group flexible-dose forced-titration study that will use a novel design to address the impact of AFQ056 on language learning in 3- to 6-year-old children with FXS. Subjects will be in the study a total of 21 months (Screening and 12 months placebo-controlled treatment, 8 months open-label extension, 1 month follow up after final assessment visit). The study is conducted by the Network for Excellence in Neuroscience Clinical Trials (NeuroNEXT). The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), a division of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is supporting this trial.
Q: Who can participate?
Children ages 3-6:
- With Fragile X Syndrome.
- Who use intentional acts of communication (including words, gestures, and augmentative communication devices).
Q: What does the study involve?
- 15 study visits over 21 months.
- Behavioral and language assessments, medical history, a physical exam, parent questionnaires, and blood and urine sampling.
- Weekly video conferencing sessions in your home to learn strategies to help your child with language.
- Child will be randomized to either AFQ056 or placebo.
Q: What else can I expect?
- Families receive instruction and feedback from expert speech and language pathologists.
- Travel reimbursement is available.
- Also, check out Diane and her son Joshua’s experience with this trial:
Q: How can I learn more before applying?
- Read the extensive Q&A
- Visit http://www.neuronext.org
- Visit https://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT02920892
- Watch the NFXF webinar with Dr. Berry-Kravis below.
NFXF FX-LEARN Q&A Webinar with Dr. Berry-Kravis
Q: Where can I participate?
- The following clinical sites are currently enrolling participants. Use the contact form on this page to be connected with the coordinator, Katie Friedmann, RN, who will work to get you enrolled, if eligible, at the most convenient and available site.
| Boston Children’s Hospital | University of Cincinnati Medical Center |
| Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia | University of Colorado – Denver |
| Children’s National Medical Center (DC) | University of Pittsburgh |
| Columbia University Medical Center (NY) | University of Texas Soutdwestern Medical Center |
| Emory University (GA) | Vanderbilt University (TN) |
| Nationwide Children’s Hospital (OH) | Washington University in Saint Louis |
| Rush University (IL) | Yale University (CT) |
| University of California at Davis |
If you’d like to learn more or apply for this opportunity, please fill out the form to send your contact information to the study coordinators.
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.
