Friedreich ataxia
MONDO:0100339An inherited condition that affects the nervous system and causes movement problems. People with this condition develop impaired muscle coordination (ataxia) that worsens over time. Other features include the gradual loss of strength and sensation in the arms and legs, muscle stiffness (spasticity), and impaired speech. Many individuals have a form of heart disease called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Some develop diabetes, impaired vision, hearing loss, or an abnormal curvature of the spine (scoliosis). Most people with Friedreich ataxia begin to experience the signs and symptoms around puberty.
Also known as: FA, FRDA, Friedreich ataxia, Friedreich's Ataxia, Friedreich's ataxia, Friedreich ataxia with retained reflexes, hereditary spinal ataxia, hereditary spinal sclerosis
58 clinical trials for this condition and its sub-types.
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Gene therapy hope for rare nerve disease enters first human tests
Disease control Recruiting nowThis early-phase trial is testing a gene therapy called SGT-212 for Friedreich's ataxia, a rare genetic disease that damages the nervous system. Ten adults with the condition will receive the therapy through an injection into the brain and a vein. The main goal is to see if it is…
Phase: PHASE1 • Sponsor: Solid Biosciences Inc. • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 14:01 UTC
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Hope for kids with Friedreich's ataxia: drug already approved for teens now tested in younger children
Disease control Recruiting nowThis study tests whether omaveloxolone, a drug already approved for people 16 and older with Friedreich's ataxia, can safely help children aged 2 to 15. About 255 participants will first receive either the drug or a placebo for a year, then all will receive the drug for two more …
Phase: PHASE3 • Sponsor: Biogen • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 14:00 UTC
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Hope for Friedreich's ataxia: new drug trial aims to slow disease progression
Disease control Recruiting nowThis study is testing the long-term safety and effectiveness of an experimental drug called CTI-1601 for people with Friedreich's ataxia, a rare genetic disease that affects movement and heart function. It includes about 85 adolescents and adults who have or have not taken the dr…
Phase: PHASE2 • Sponsor: Larimar Therapeutics, Inc. • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:34 UTC
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Gene therapy trial aims to fix heart damage in rare disease
Disease control Recruiting nowThis early-stage trial tests a gene therapy called AAVrh.10hFXN for heart problems caused by Friedreich's ataxia, a rare genetic disease. The therapy delivers a working copy of the frataxin gene to help heart cells function better. 25 people aged 12 to 50 with heart involvement w…
Phase: PHASE1 • Sponsor: Weill Medical College of Cornell University • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:02 UTC
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3D-Printed fork handles could help dementia patients eat on their own
Symptom relief Recruiting nowThis study tests whether custom 3D-printed cutlery handles can help people with neurodegenerative diseases eat more independently. 75 patients in rehabilitation care will try handles in different sizes, designed to fit their grip. Researchers will measure changes in eating abilit…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Centre Hospitalier Intercommunal de Toulon La Seyne sur Mer • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 14:00 UTC
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New hope for swallowing troubles in rare nerve disease?
Symptom relief Recruiting nowThis study examines whether the drug omaveloxolone can ease swallowing difficulties in people with Friedreich's ataxia, a rare nerve disease. About 40 French patients who have taken the drug for at least six months will fill out a swallowing questionnaire. The goal is to see if t…
Sponsor: Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:25 UTC
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New wearable gadget aims to ease movement problems in kids
Symptom relief Recruiting nowThis study is testing a device called ViBandz, which uses small vibrating motors strapped to the body to provide vibration therapy. Researchers want to see if it is easy and comfortable for children with neurological conditions to use at home. The study will involve 30 children a…
Sponsor: Children's Mercy Hospital Kansas City • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:24 UTC
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Brain zaps may steady wobbly walk in ataxia patients
Symptom relief Recruiting nowThis study tests whether combining two types of non-invasive brain stimulation can improve balance and coordination in people with ataxia, a condition that affects movement. Researchers will enroll 30 adults with a confirmed ataxia diagnosis. Participants will receive a combinati…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: I.R.C.C.S. Fondazione Santa Lucia • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 09:06 UTC
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Brain pacemaker tweak could help stroke and tremor patients speak and swallow better
Symptom relief Recruiting nowThis study looks at whether adjusting deep brain stimulation (DBS) can improve movement, speech, and swallowing in people already implanted with DBS for conditions like tremor, stroke, or traumatic brain injury. Researchers will test hand dexterity, grip strength, facial movement…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Jorge Gonzalez-Martinez • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 08:04 UTC
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Massive study aims to unlock genetic secrets of movement disorders
Knowledge-focused Recruiting nowThis study aims to understand the link between genes and symptoms in people with inherited movement disorders. Researchers will study up to 2,500 participants, including patients and their family members, to identify new disease-causing genes and improve diagnosis. The goal is to…
Sponsor: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 14:03 UTC
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Massive study aims to unlock secrets of movement disorders
Knowledge-focused Recruiting nowThis natural history study is collecting information from up to 4,000 people with movement disorders (like Parkinson's disease or tremor) and their family members. Participants undergo exams, blood tests, and imaging, but receive no new treatments. The goal is to gather data that…
Sponsor: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 14:02 UTC
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Scientists hunt for hidden genes behind movement disorders and dementia
Knowledge-focused Recruiting nowThis study aims to find the genetic causes of movement disorders and dementias by analyzing DNA from up to 12,000 participants, including patients and their family members. Researchers will collect blood or saliva samples and look for gene mutations linked to these conditions. Th…
Sponsor: National Institute on Aging (NIA) • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 14:02 UTC
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Massive data collection launched for brain surgery patients
Knowledge-focused Recruiting nowThis study is gathering medical information and samples from up to 5,000 people with neurosurgical conditions like brain tumors, epilepsy, and Parkinson's disease. Participants receive standard care while their data is collected for future research. No new treatments are being te…
Sponsor: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 14:00 UTC
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New study tracks heart disease in rare genetic disorder
Knowledge-focused Recruiting nowThis study follows 65 people with Friedreich ataxia who also have a thickened heart muscle (cardiomyopathy). Researchers will measure changes in heart structure over time using imaging. The goal is to better understand how heart disease progresses in this condition, which could h…
Sponsor: Lexeo Therapeutics • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 13:04 UTC
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Mind-Controlled devices: new study aims to help paralysis patients
Knowledge-focused Recruiting nowThis study explores whether a non-invasive brain-computer interface (BCI) can help people with motor disorders, such as spinal cord injury or stroke, control assistive devices using their thoughts. Researchers will record brain signals with EEG and use machine learning to interpr…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University of Texas at Austin • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:28 UTC
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New registry tracks Real-World safety of FA drug over 5 years
Knowledge-focused Recruiting nowThis study follows about 300 people with Friedreich's ataxia who are taking the prescribed drug omaveloxolone (SKYCLARYS®). Researchers will collect safety information from regular doctor visits for up to 5 years. The goal is to see how many participants have serious side effects…
Sponsor: Biogen • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:25 UTC
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Brain scans and tests aim to unlock secrets of cognitive deficits after injury
Knowledge-focused Recruiting nowThis study looks at people with brain damage from strokes, tumors, or other conditions to understand why they have specific thinking problems. Researchers will use brain scans and cognitive tests to link brain areas to deficits. The goal is to learn more about how the brain works…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University Hospital, Caen • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:06 UTC
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Sound waves shed light on nerve damage in rare genetic disease
Knowledge-focused Recruiting nowThis study uses high-resolution ultrasound to look at nerves in people with Friedreich ataxia, a rare inherited disease that damages the nervous system and heart. Researchers want to see if nerve size and blood flow are different in these patients. The goal is to find new ways to…
Sponsor: Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:04 UTC
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New study tracks Real-Life impact of friedreich ataxia via smartphone app
Knowledge-focused Recruiting nowThe PROFA study is an international observational study that follows 200 people with Friedreich Ataxia (FA) across Germany, Austria, and France. Participants use a mobile app to report their quality of life, symptoms, and healthcare costs daily for six months. The goal is to unde…
Sponsor: German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:02 UTC
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New registry aims to unlock secrets of brain stimulation in kids
Knowledge-focused Recruiting nowThis study is creating a shared database of children who have received deep brain stimulation (DBS) for movement disorders like dystonia, epilepsy, or Tourette syndrome. By pooling data from multiple hospitals, researchers hope to answer key questions about who benefits most and …
Sponsor: Boston Children's Hospital • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 11:02 UTC
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NIH launches data repository to fuel future research on rare nerve and muscle diseases
Knowledge-focused Recruiting nowThis study gathers medical information from 200 adults with possible nerve, muscle, or autonomic nervous system disorders who are not already in other NIH studies. Participants undergo standard tests like nerve conduction studies, EMG, and physical exams. The data is stored anony…
Sponsor: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 11:00 UTC
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Scientists build a 'Cognitive Atlas' for mental and neurological illnesses
Knowledge-focused Recruiting nowThis study is looking at how people with conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, and neurological diseases (such as Alzheimer's or stroke) perform on computer-based thinking tests. The goal is to create a detailed map of cognitive strengths and weaknesses acr…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Centre Hospitalier St Anne • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 08:05 UTC
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New turkish tool to better assess muscle problems in kids
Knowledge-focused Recruiting nowThis study aims to translate the Hypertonia Assessment Tool (HAT) into Turkish and check if it works correctly. The HAT helps doctors identify different types of increased muscle tone in children with motor disorders. Researchers will test the tool on 70 children under 18 who hav…
Sponsor: Kastamonu University • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 08:02 UTC
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Thick liquids might help people with swallowing problems take pills safely
Knowledge-focused Recruiting nowThis study looks at whether using a swallow gel or a semi-solid vehicle can help people with neurological conditions swallow pills more easily and safely. Researchers will observe 500 participants, including patients with swallowing disorders and healthy volunteers, as they swall…
Sponsor: Heinrich-Heine University, Duesseldorf • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 08:00 UTC
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New study aims to uncover hidden clues in Friedreich's ataxia
Knowledge-focused Recruiting nowThis study looks at how Friedreich's ataxia affects the heart and nerves using advanced imaging, exercise tests, and biopsies. Researchers will track 203 people with the condition to find better ways to measure disease progression. The goal is to improve future treatment studies,…
Sponsor: University of Florida • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 07:51 UTC