NFXF Webinar Series

2021 Industry Updates

00 h 57 m

On September 14, 2021, we held an NFXF webinar with three of our industry partners working on treatments for Fragile X syndrome. Each shared the most up-to-date information on their research projects in a way more easily understood by laypeople. A short Q&A followed each presentation.

About the Webinar

With Randy Carpenter, Chad Coberly, and Joseph Palumbo
Learn more about the presenters

Allos Pharma

Dr. Randy Carpenter of Allos discusses how they obtained the license for arbaclofen (STX209), a drug that reached clinical trial status for Fragile X syndrome with Seaside Pharmaceuticals.

Families and professionals expressed their disappointment in the STX209 program ending. There was hope that the data would be made available for future research and possibly to even help with future trials to study arbaclofen in FXS for a drug approval. Until now, this has not been an option. Allos plans to meet with FDA about the future of arbaclofen in FXS.

We have been able to work with the organization storing the data to move forward with obtaining your data, but we need your help! If your child participated in the trial, please consider giving your permission to provide the data for future research. (Editor’s Note: Sign-up is longer available.)

Allos Pharma Industry Updates Webinar

Tetra Therapeutics

Tetra is developing BPN14770/zatomilast for treating cognition and daily function in Fragile X syndrome.

Tetra previously completed a trial of BPN14770 in adult men with FXS. You can read our summary of a paper published on the research this past summer.

According to presenter Dr. Chad Coberly, Tetra plans to move forward with BPN14770 in FXS, likely opening future trials with broader age ranges in late 2021.

Editor’s Note: The Phase 2B/3 Studies of BPN14770 in Fragile X syndrome is now enrolling.

BPN14770/Zatolmilast in Fragile X Syndrome

Zynerba Pharmaceuticals

Zynerba previously completed a trial of ZYN002, a clear cannabidiol gel applied to the skin, in children and adolescents with FXS.

According to presenter Dr. Joseph Palumbo, Zynerba is moving forward with ZYN002 in FXS and is actively recruiting 3 to 17 year olds with FXS.

Editor’s Note: The ZYN002 trial reached its enrollment goal in May 2025.

Zynerba Pharmaceuticals Industry Updates Webinar

Developing New Treatments for Fragile X is a Team Effort

We will not be able to have more effective treatments or a drug on the market to target Fragile X without your help.

Consider participating in research opportunities – which range from surveys to more involved clinical trials. Researchers work with us to connect participants to them for their research and trials because, without you, research would not happen.

We are dedicated to advancing treatment research. We believe in scientifically sound research that has the community at the heart of the work. After all, you are the ones who will be using the treatments!

We advance treatment research by doing what we do best:

While there are drugs and non-drug interventions that help address the symptoms of FXS, we do not have a drug for FXS. And we will likely need more than one treatment to help every person living with Fragile X. This process, the work of our industry and academic research partners, and the FDA’s oversight ensure that when there is a drug for FXS it will be safe and effective. Together, We’re Stronger!

About the Presenters

Randy Carpenter

Dr. Randy Carpenter’s career experience includes providing primary care to underserved populations, performing clinical and basic science research, and leadership positions in academic medicine, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology companies. Most recently, he founded Seaside Therapeutics to leverage breakthrough scientific discoveries and develop therapeutics capable of correcting molecular perturbations that increase vulnerability to intellectual disability and autism.

Other Presenters

Chad Coberly has more than 30 years of experience in biotech/life science management including executive level roles at multiple emerging and late stage companies.

Dr. Joseph Palumbo has been the chief medical officer at Zynerba since 2019. He has been instrumental in driving trial methodology strategies, implementation, and measurement in areas of research including neurology and neuro-degeneration, psychiatry and behavioral medicine, cognition, orphan conditions, addiction, and subjective endpoint assessment.