NFXF Webinar Series

2025 Industry Updates

00 h 57 m

Four of our industry partners developing treatments for Fragile X syndrome — Shionogi, Mirum Pharma, Kaerus Bioscience, and Servier Pharmaceuticals — shared their latest research updates during a live webinar on October 28, 2025.

About the Webinar

With Juan-Carlos Gomez, Larry Carter, Rob Ring, Valérie Olivier, and Anna De Sonia
Learn more about the presenters

We have provided on-demand versions of each presentation, along with a Q&A session moderated by Anna De Sonia.

Shionogi

With Dr. Juan-Carlos Gomez, Chief Medical Officer

Dr. Juan-Carlos Gomez shared updates on the company’s Fragile X EXPERIENCE program, and what to expect next. Shionogi, a nearly 150-year-old global pharmaceutical company with expertise in central nervous system (CNS) research, is gathering real-world insights from families affected by Fragile X syndrome to guide future therapies.

Dr. Gomez explained that data from the clinical trials is currently being analyzed. He emphasized Shionogi’s commitment to collaboration with researchers, clinicians, and advocacy groups like the National Fragile X Foundation to advance innovative treatment options for FXS.

Shionogi FXS Community Update

Mirum Pharma

With Dr. Larry Carter, Senior Vice President of Clinical Development

Dr. Larry Carter provided an update on the company’s Fragile X program. Mirum, historically focused on rare liver diseases, has recently expanded into rare neurological conditions, including FXS.

Dr. Carter explained how Mirum’s investigational medication, called MRM, is designed to increase levels of cyclic AMP (cAMP) in the brain — a molecule often found at lower levels in individuals with FXS. A new Phase 2 trial in the U.S. and Spain is testing different doses of MRM in males living with full mutation FXS. The study focuses on learning, memory, and behavior. Enrollment information is available on ClinicalTrials.gov. More study-specific information will be available on our Research Opportunities portal.

Mirum Pharma: National Fragile X Foundation Research Update

Kaerus Bioscience

With Dr. Rob Ring, CEO

Dr. Rob Ring highlighted how Kaerus was created specifically for developing treatment for FXS. He highlighted the science behind their approach: targeting brain ion channels — specifically the BK channel — to regulate activity disrupted in the Fragile X brain. After a successful Phase 1 trial, Kaerus’s Fragile X program was acquired by Servier Pharmaceuticals, which will advance it into patient trials.

Kaerus Bioscience: A Promising Future for KER-0193

Servier Pharmaceuticals

With Valérie Olivier, Asset Leader

Valérie Olivier shared exciting updates on the company’s expansion into neurology, marking a new chapter beyond its established expertise in cardiometabolism and oncology. Servier recently acquired Kearus Bioscience’s Fragile X molecule, KER-0193, and is planning Phase 2 trials in adult males, with future plans of studies for children and Phase 3 trials.

Emphasizing collaboration, Servier intends to work closely with experts, patient groups, and organizations like the NFXF to ensure the program meets the needs of the Fragile X community.

Servier: 2025 Industry Update

Industry Update Q&A

With Anna De Sonia, Director of Research Facilitation, NFXF

After presentations concluded, Anna De Sonia moderated a short Q&A with the panelists. These experts highlighted the power of community-driven research, stressing the importance of listening to families, collaborating with clinical experts like the Clinical Trials Committee, having conversations with regulatory experts, and exploring combination therapies.

Some of the key points included:

  • Listening to families and the community to understand what outcomes matter most.
  • Engaging regulatory authorities (FDA, EMA) while presenting community insights.
  • Considering multiple endpoints and combination therapies rather than relying on a single treatment.
  • Emphasizing collaborative sharing of learnings across the Fragile X research space.
  • Integrating medications with behavioral interventions, occupational therapy, and other supportive approaches.
  • Active engagement from families, clinical trial sites, and the broader community supports successful trials.
  • Increased industry interest and collaboration make this a particularly promising time for Fragile X research.
  • Collaboration and support from the Fragile X community.

Presenters wrapped up by sharing what they’re most excited about for the future of Fragile X research.

2025 Industry Updates Q&A

This webinar did more than update the Fragile X community on Fragile X research programs, it reinforced the strength of the Fragile X community — collaborative, engaged, and ready to advance meaningful research together.

About the Presenters

Juan-Carlos Gomez

Juan Carlos Gomez, MD, MBA, is the Chief Medical Officer of Shionogi, a pharmaceutical company headquartered in Osaka, Japan, that is focused on developing innovative treatments for infectious diseases and pain-CNS disorders.

Before joining Shionogi in 2019, Dr. Gomez had a long career in pharmaceutical drug development, having held senior leadership positions at Eli Lilly and Roche, mainly in neuroscience and neurodevelopmental disorders. He has a doctorate from the Universidad Complutense de Madrid and a master’s from IESE Universidad de Navarra. He is a certified specialist in psychiatry from the Hospital Clínico San Carlos in Madrid.

Lawrence Carter

Dr. Lawrence Carter is a seasoned executive in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors. He is currently serving as the senior vice president of Clinical Development at Mirum Pharma.

Rob Ring

Dr. Rob Ring, a trained neuroscientist, is a globally-recognized expert in neurodevelopmental disorders with over 25 years of experience in CNS medicines research and development spanning a unique arc of leadership positions in industry, governmental agencies, and non-profit research foundations. He is currently serving as the CEO at Kaerus Bioscience.

Valérie Olivier

Valérie Olivier currently serves as Asset Leader at Servier Pharmaceuticals.

About the Moderator

Anna De Sonia

Anna joined the NFXF in 2024. She found her way to the Fragile X community through her many years of work as a clinical research coordinator at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. There she worked on research in the pediatric neurology division, with a special interest in Fragile X. Anna earned her bachelor’s in psychology and obtained a clinical research coordinator (CCRC) certification through the ACRP. She likes to take time to enjoy life’s simple pleasures, loves traveling and exploring new cultures, and spending quality time with her dog, family and friends.