The National Fragile X Foundation awards $100,000 grant for study of minocycline in FXS children

Dec 8 2009

The National Fragile X Foundation has awarded a translational research seed grant of $100,000 to Dr. Randi J. Hagerman at the UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute in California for a study of minocycline in the treatment of children with fragile X syndrome (FXS). Hagerman is an internationally recognized clinician and clinical researcher on FXS, the most common cause of inherited mental impairment.

The two-year study will evaluate the efficacy of minocycline for children ages 4-13 years with FXS. Hagerman's goal is to provide sufficient data to ultimately submit a larger multi-center minocycline controlled trial in children with FXS that could involve centers associated with the Fragile X Clinical & Research Consortium. Recent lab findings have demonstrated improvement in synaptic connections, behavior and even some aspects of cognition with minocycline treatment. Minocycline, a commonly used antibiotic, is currently used to treat bacterial infections, including pneumonia and other respiratory tract infections; acne; and infections of skin, genital, and urinary systems. Preliminary data described in the proposal suggests minocycline will be beneficial to children with FXS. Hagerman's grant compliments a study in Canada of minocycline in older individuals and could ultimately lead to this drug becoming a significant treatment for FXS.