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
52 clinical trials for this condition and its sub-types.
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Broader categories
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Malaria drug repurposed to fight rare nerve disease
Disease control CompletedThis study tested a malaria drug called artesunate in 20 people with Friedreich ataxia, a rare genetic disorder that affects movement and coordination. The goal was to find a safe dose that could help control iron levels in cells, which may slow the disease. Researchers started w…
Phase: PHASE1, PHASE2 • Sponsor: Institut National de la Santé Et de la Recherche Médicale, France • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:35 UTC
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Hope for friedreich ataxia: experimental drug vatiquinone put to the test
Disease control CompletedThis study tested an experimental drug called vatiquinone in 146 people with Friedreich ataxia, a rare genetic disease that affects movement and coordination. Participants took either the drug or a placebo for 72 weeks to see if it slowed worsening of symptoms, measured by a stan…
Phase: PHASE2, PHASE3 • Sponsor: PTC Therapeutics • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:06 UTC
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New drug shows promise for rare movement disorder
Disease control CompletedThis study tested a drug called RTA 408 (omaveloxolone) in 172 people with Friedreich's ataxia, a rare genetic disease that affects movement and coordination. The goal was to see if the drug is safe and can improve exercise ability and daily function. Participants took the drug o…
Phase: PHASE2 • Sponsor: Biogen • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 08:13 UTC
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Can a supplement and exercise improve stamina in Friedreich's ataxia?
Symptom relief CompletedThis study looked at whether taking an NAD+ precursor (a vitamin-like supplement) along with exercise training can improve aerobic capacity (how well the body uses oxygen during exercise) in people with Friedreich's ataxia. The trial included 75 participants aged 10 to 40. Resear…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Children's Hospital of Philadelphia • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 11:00 UTC
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Can a mitochondrial drug restore sight in friedreich ataxia?
Symptom relief CompletedThis pilot study tested the drug elamipretide in 20 people with Friedreich ataxia to see if it could safely improve vision loss. Participants received either a low or high dose, and researchers measured changes in eyesight. The study is complete, but results are not yet available…
Phase: PHASE1, PHASE2 • Sponsor: Children's Hospital of Philadelphia • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 08:03 UTC
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One-person trial tests breathing workouts for rare nerve disease
Symptom relief CompletedThis study tested whether 12 weeks of respiratory strength training could improve breathing and swallowing in a person with Friedreich's ataxia. The participant did breathing exercises against resistance and had tests before and after the training. Because only one person took pa…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: University of Florida • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 07:56 UTC
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Can voice and hearing tests reveal hidden clues to Friedreich's ataxia progression?
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study follows 40 people with Friedreich's ataxia, a hereditary neurological condition that affects movement and speech, to see how their oral communication changes over one year. Researchers will assess speech clarity, voice quality, and hearing using speech therapy evaluati…
Sponsor: Institut National de la Santé Et de la Recherche Médicale, France • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Aug 02, 2026 00:00 UTC
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Brain study sheds light on Parkinson's and tics
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis completed study from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke aimed to better understand how the brain controls movement and what goes wrong in movement disorders like Parkinson's disease, Tourette's syndrome, and dystonia. Over 1,200 adults—both patients …
Phase: NA • Sponsor: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jul 04, 2026 00:00 UTC
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Genetic clues may predict when Friedreich's ataxia begins
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study looked at 120 people with Friedreich's ataxia, a rare genetic disease that causes progressive movement problems. Researchers examined tiny interruptions in the DNA expansion that causes the disease to see if they influence when symptoms start and how severe they become…
Sponsor: University Hospital, Montpellier • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 13:02 UTC
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New study reveals hidden hormone clues in rare nerve disease
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis pilot study explored whether people with Friedreich's ataxia (FA) have problems making certain hormones, like cortisol and testosterone. Researchers measured hormone levels in blood samples from 11 FA patients and 15 healthy volunteers. The goal was to better understand how …
Sponsor: Istanbul University • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:00 UTC
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New biomarker study aims to track Friedreich's ataxia treatments
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study looked at 10 adults with Friedreich's ataxia to find a way to measure frataxin mRNA in blood and spinal fluid. The goal was to create a tool that can tell if treatments are working to increase frataxin levels in the brain. Researchers used tiny particles called exosome…
Sponsor: University of Florida • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 08:12 UTC
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Wrist-Worn gadget could help doctors monitor Parkinson's at home
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study tested a wrist-worn device called the Personal KinetiGraph (PKG) to see if it can accurately measure movement problems in people with Parkinson's disease. Nineteen participants wore the device while researchers compared its readings to standard clinical tests and video…
Sponsor: Global Kinetics Corporation • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 07:54 UTC
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Major registry study maps rare disease to speed up trials
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study followed 1200 people with Friedreich's ataxia over time to learn how the disease progresses. Researchers collected health exams and lab results to create a natural history of the condition. The goal was to develop better tools for future clinical trials and improve pat…
Sponsor: European Friedreich's Ataxia Consortium for Translational Studies • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 07:53 UTC