Lindsey Shapiro, PhD, science writer —

Lindsey earned her PhD in neuroscience from Emory University in Atlanta, where she studied novel therapeutic strategies for treatment-resistant forms of epilepsy. She was awarded a fellowship from the American Epilepsy Society in 2019 for this research. Lindsey also previously worked as a postdoctoral researcher, studying the role of inflammation in epilepsy and Alzheimer’s disease.

Articles by Lindsey Shapiro

Problems in sensory processing with FA evident on MRI scans

MRI imaging indicates that Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) patients have impairments in proprioception — sensory processing related to body movement and location — relative to healthy adults, but these changes do not contribute to overall disease severity, according to recent research. Brain responses to tactile stimulation (light touch) were similar…

Phase 2 trial to test DMF as Friedreich’s ataxia treatment

Researchers are conducting a Phase 2 clinical trial to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and molecular effects of dimethyl fumarate (DMF), an approved treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS) and psoriasis, in people with Friedreich’s ataxia (FA). Based on both preclinical research and clinical studies in MS patients, it…

New FA mouse model may aid research, therapy development

A new mouse model of Friedreich’s ataxia (FA), designed to better reflect a more severe disease course, could help researchers study the disease’s mechanisms and develop new therapies. The mice, which reportedly house the largest number of GAA repeats in the FXN gene of any existing model — about 800-900 of…

Early Data Support Gene-editing Platform’s Ability to Fix FA Deficits

Prime Medicine’s gene-editing technology — called Prime Editing — successfully corrected the genetic deficits associated with Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) and restored nerve cell projections in preclinical studies using patient cells, the company has announced. The company also announced positive updates from a number of its 18 other developmental programs…

FDA Clears Phase 1/2 Trial of Gene Therapy for FA Heart Disease

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a Phase 1/2 clinical trial for LX2006, Lexeo Therapeutics’ investigational gene therapy for heart disease in people with Friedreich’s ataxia (FA). Lexeo submitted the trial for approval under an investigational new drug (IND) application based on promising preclinical data. The…