False Beliefs, True Deficits: Investigating Social Cognition in Friedreich Ataxia

Heleven E, Vyhnalek M, Karamazovová S, Van Overwalle F, Naeije G. False Beliefs, True Deficits: Investigating Social Cognition in Friedreich Ataxia. Cerebellum. 2025 Jul 11;24(5):128. doi: 10.1007/s12311-025-01886-z. PMID: 40643773. 

 Friedreich ataxia (FA) is a cerebellar neurodegenerative disease primarily known for its motor symptoms, but emerging evidence suggests it also affects higher-order cognitive functions, including Theory of Mind (ToM). This study aimed to assess ToM in individuals with FA using a Picture Sequencing Task (PST) that distinguishes between mechanical, social script, true belief, and false belief scenarios, with a focus on the latter as key marker of mentalizing in cerebellar diseases. 

Our results reveal a selective impairment in false belief reasoning in FA, consistent with ToM deficits observed in other cerebellar and neurodevelopmental disorders.

Unveiling the Idiographic Portrait of Friedreich's Ataxia in an Omani Patient: A Multidisciplinary Case Stud

Al-Adawi, Samir and Al Busaidi, Saoud Jaber and Al Jahwari, Nasra Ali and Rajeev, Neeraja and Alriyami, Maha and ALBusaidi, Alya and Al Kindi, Farah Ahmed and Otaify, Ghada Ahmed and Ambusaidi, Aamal and Al Azri, Faisal Hamad and Gujjar, Arunodaya R. and Bolourkesh, Helia, Unveiling the Idiographic Portrait of Friedreich's Ataxia in an Omani Patient: A Multidisciplinary Case Study. doi:10.2139/ssrn.5344239

Friedreich’s ataxia (FA), a rare inherited disorder that mainly affects Caucasian populations, presents significant diagnostic challenges in regions with diverse genetic backgrounds. This case report details the diagnostic journey of a 22-year-old Omani male with undiagnosed FA, highlighting the value of the idiographic approach within a biopsychosocial framework. Initially presenting with psychotic symptoms, the patient underwent a comprehensive interdisciplinary evaluation, revealing neurological and psychiatric manifestations.

Larimar Therapeutics Publishes Nonclinical Data Supporting the Therapeutic Potential of Nomlabofusp in Patients with Friedreich’s Ataxia

BALA CYNWYD, Pa., July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Larimar Therapeutics, Inc. (Larimar) (Nasdaq: LRMR), a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing treatments for complex rare diseases, today announced the publication of two peer-reviewed articles highlighting nonclinical data on the therapeutic potential, pharmacology, and mechanism of action of nomlabofusp as a novel frataxin (FXN) protein replacement therapy designed to address the underlying cause of Friedreich’s ataxia (FA). These data were included in the briefing package reviewed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in support of potentially using skin FXN concentrations as a reasonably likely surrogate endpoint (RLSE) for Larimar’s registrational program seeking accelerated approval for nomlabofusp.

LEXEO THERAPEUTICS ANNOUNCES FDA BREAKTHROUGH THERAPY DESIGNATION FOR LX2006 IN FRIEDREICH ATAXIA

NEW YORK, July 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lexeo Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: LXEO), a clinical stage genetic medicine company dedicated to pioneering novel treatments for cardiovascular diseases, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug administration (FDA) has granted Breakthrough Therapy designation to LX2006 based on clinical evidence generated on both cardiac and neurologic measures of Friedreich ataxia (FA). LX2006 has also been selected to participate in the FDA Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC) Development and Readiness Pilot (CDRP) program, intended to enable earlier patient access to therapies with expedited clinical development timelines.

Lexeo Therapeutics Announces FDA Breakthrough Therapy Designation for LX2006 in Friedreich Ataxia

07/07/2025 ;Lexeo Therapeutics (Nasdaq: LXEO) has achieved a significant milestone as its drug candidate LX2006 received FDA Breakthrough Therapy designation for treating Friedreich ataxia (FA). The designation was based on promising interim clinical data from Phase I/II trials showing meaningful improvements in cardiac biomarkers and functional measures. The drug has demonstrated clinically significant improvements in cardiac and neurologic functional measures, with increased frataxin expression observed in all cardiac biopsy participants at three months post-treatment. To date, 17 participants have been treated across two trials. The company plans to initiate a registrational study by early 2026. Additionally, LX2006 has been selected for the FDA's Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls Development and Readiness Pilot (CDRP) program, aimed at facilitating faster patient access to promising therapies.