Skip to main content
Download PDF
Download ePub

A phase 1/2, open-label assessment of the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of transdermal cannabidiol (ZYN002) for the treatment of pediatric fragile X syndrome

Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders volume 11, Article number: 16 (2019) Cite this article

Abstract

Background

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is characterized by a range of developmental, neuropsychiatric, and behavioral symptoms that cause significant impairment in those with the disorder. Cannabidiol (CBD) holds promise as a potential treatment for FXS symptoms due to its safety profile and positive effects on a number of emotional and behavioral symptoms associated with FXS. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and initial efficacy of ZYN002, a transdermal CBD gel, in a pediatric population with FXS.

Methods

Twenty children and adolescents (aged 6–17 years) with a diagnosis of FXS (confirmed through molecular documentation of FMR1 full mutation) were enrolled in an open-label, multi-site, trial of ZYN002. Transdermal CBD gel was administered twice daily for 12 weeks, titrated from 50 mg to a maximum daily dose of 250 mg. The primary efficacy endpoint was change from screening to week 12 on the Anxiety, Depression, and Mood Scale (ADAMS). Secondary endpoint measures included the Aberrant Behavior Checklist—Community for FXS (ABC-CFXS), Pediatric Anxiety Rating Scale (PARS-R), Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL™), three Visual Analogue Scales (VAS), and the Clinical Global Impression Scale—Severity (CGI-S) and Improvement (CGI-I).

Results

The majority of treatment-emergent AEs (reported by 85% of participants) were mild in severity (70%), and no serious adverse events were reported. There was a statistically significant reduction in ADAMS total score from screening to week 12 and significant reductions on nearly all other secondary endpoints, including all ADAMS subscales (except depressed mood), all ABC-CFXS subscale scores (e.g., social avoidance, irritability), PARS-R total severity score, and PedsQL total score.

Conclusions

ZYN002 was well tolerated and produced clinically meaningful reductions in anxiety and behavioral symptoms in children and adolescents with FXS. These findings support further study of ZYN002 in a randomized, well-controlled trial for the treatment of behavioral symptoms of FXS.

Trial registration

ANZCTR, ACTRN12617000150347 Registered 27 January 2017

Introduction

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a rare genetic condition caused by cytosine-guanine-guanine (CGG) repeat expansion in the FMR1 gene located on the X chromosome [1]. CGG repeat expansion in the FMR1 gene, which silences the expression of the fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP), is characteristically found in patients with FXS. FMRP, a ribonucleic acid (RNA) binding protein, is important for normal synaptic function, synaptic plasticity, and the development of neuronal connections during brain maturation. The absence of FMRP in neurons accounts for many of the neuropsychiatric symptoms of fragile X. Individuals with FXS exhibit a range of developmental and psychiatric symptoms, including anxiety (particularly social avoidance), hyperactivity, aggression, and negative affectivity/mood [2]. Anxiety and social avoidance are considered core features of FXS. One study found that 82.5% of the patients had at least one anxiety disorder, irrespective of sex, age, presence of autism, or IQ [3]. Social avoidance has been defined as a behavioral response to anxiety that arises from social interaction; thus, anxiety can be thought of as foundational precipitant to social avoidance. Social avoidance encompasses behaviors such as social isolation, social escape behaviors, and gaze avoidance that distance the individual from his/her social counterparts. Behavior problems concerning caregivers of children with FXS (n = 439) include anxiety, tantrums, and aggression while the participants also want drug treatment to reduce anxiety, address social anxiety, tantrums, and aggression [4]. Estimates of prevalence suggest that FXS affects approximately 1.4 in 10,000 males and 0.9 in 10,000 females, making it the most common heritable cause of intellectual disability [5].

Recent evidence suggests that dysregulation of the endocannabinoid system is central to the pathophysiology of FXS [6]. The endocannabinoid system is comprised of two G-protein-coupled receptors, cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1; located primarily in the central nervous system) and cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2; located in a number of systems throughout the body) [7, 8], as well as the endogenous cannabis-like ligands (endocannabinoids) anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). Both AEA and 2-AG bind to CB1 receptors and modulate synaptic transmission throughout the central nervous system [9, 10].

Cannabidiol (CBD), the primary non-euphoric cannabinoid contained in the Cannabis sativa L. plant, holds promise as a potential treatment for behavioral symptoms of FXS given its ability to interact with an FXS-compromised endocannabinoid system. Preclinical models have demonstrated that disruption of FMRP in FXS reduces the production of 2-AG, decreasing activation of CB1 receptors in the central nervous system [6]. Administration of CBD appears to increase 2-AG availability [11, 12], thereby increasing CB1 receptor activation and attenuating reduced endogenous cannabinoid signaling. Moreover, increased CB1 activation does not appear dependent on the presence of FMRP, as FMR1 knock out (KO) mice show no reduction in CB1 expression [13]. CBD administration also increases serum levels of the endogenous cannabinoid anandamide (AEA) [14], which could also produce modulating effects for FXS-related behavioral deficits. For example, higher baseline AEA among FMR1 KO mice is associated with greater cognitive performance [15], and administration of AEA in FMR1 KO mice reduces normally observed deficits in social behavior [16]. There is also evidence suggesting that CBD could promote improved synaptic plasticity by restoration of reduced neuronal long-term depression (LTD) [13], based on the metabolic glutamate receptor (mGluR) theory of FXS pathology ([17]). If substantiated, promotion of synaptic plasticity via CBD could lead to improvements in learning and cognition, a major deficit for patients with FXS. Finally, CBD is an allosteric modulator of GABA-A receptors [18]. Enhanced binding affinity for GABA could provide benefit to patients with FXS by reducing deleterious mood-related symptoms that are associated with low levels of GABA.

While a number of medications individually target some of the mechanisms reviewed above (e.g., GABA agonists), CBD has diffuse effects that could improve multiple symptoms experienced by patients with FXS. However, the majority of research on CBD as a therapeutic for psychological symptoms and associated behavior has not proceeded past the preclinical phase. Findings from the first cross-over trial testing CBD’s effects on symptoms of social anxiety in adults with social phobia found significant and clinically meaningful reductions in both physiological and cognitive indicators of anxiety [19]. This modulation of anxiety symptoms demonstrated in other clinical populations could translate to therapeutic effects for patients with FXS. A recent case series provided initial evidence that CBD may lead to broad improvement in childhood FXS symptomatology, including symptoms of anxiety and social avoidance [20]. CBD is also generally well tolerated in children and adults [21, 22], particularly when compared to many existing medications used to manage FXS.

Standard routes of CBD administration (e.g., oral, inhaled) may prove burdensome for use in pediatric populations and particularly those with neuropsychiatric and behavioral challenges. Transdermal application of a permeation-enhanced formulation of CBD may provide an easier, more convenient, and useful route of administration for parents/caregivers than oral CBD while still being an effective method of systemic delivery of cannabinoids [23]. An additional advantage of transdermal application is the bypass of first-pass metabolism, thus potentially providing a favorable pharmacokinetic profile.

The aims of the present study were to test the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of ZYN002, a transdermal, pharmaceutically manufactured, CBD gel, in a pediatric sample with FXS. We hypothesized that 12 weeks of ZYN002 treatment would be well-tolerated and lead to significant reductions in the most common and difficult behaviors associated with FXS.

Methods

Participants

Twenty male and female pediatric patients with FXS, 6 through 17 years of age at screening and a diagnosis of FXS confirmed through molecular documentation of FMR1 full mutation, were enrolled. For inclusion, patients were required to have a Pediatric Anxiety Rating Scale (PARS-R) [24] score ≥ 11, a Clinical Global Impression Severity [25] score ≥ 3, and be stable on their medication regimen for the 4 weeks preceding study enrollment and during the duration of the study. Patients were excluded if they suffered from any acute or progressive neurological disorder (progressive deterioration in functioning), psychosis, schizophrenia, psychiatric disorder, or severe mental abnormalities other than FXS, and/or if they had exposure to CBD or tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in the 4 weeks preceding screening. Patient demographics appear in Table 1.

Table 1 Demographics for all treated patients as well as those completing treatment
Full size table

Procedure

Following parental consent, patients were screened for eligibility. Eligible patients were provided 12 weeks of ZYN002 as an adjunct to their existing treatments (6-week titration period, followed by 6-week maintenance period) at three possible dose levels: once daily 50 mg dose (dose A), twice daily 50 mg dose (100 mg total; dose B), or twice daily 125 mg dose (250 mg total; dose C). Dose increases from A to B and B to C were determined by assessment of tolerability; clinical response at weeks 2, 4, and 6 of the 6-week titration period; and investigator judgment. Maintenance dose was determined by the highest tolerated dose received during the titration period. At the end of the maintenance period, patients who had completed the first phase of the study were then provided the option of enrolling into a 24-month extension phase of the study. Patients not wishing to continue into the extension phase were either discontinued (if receiving dose A) or underwent a 1- or 2-week taper from study drug (doses B, C) if they were taking concomitant anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs). The current manuscript reports on the results of the initial 12-week study phase. The extension phase data collection is ongoing.

Measures

Safety and tolerability were assessed biweekly through physical/neurological exam, vital sign collection, 12-lead electrocardiograms (ECGs), a Modified Suicidality Checklist, safety laboratory tests, pregnancy tests, urinalysis, and monitoring for adverse events (AEs).

Several measures assessing mood, behavior, and functioning were selected. The majority of measures were caregiver-reported, though a clinician-reported measure was also included to provide a multi-modal assessment of patient symptomatology across time.

Anxiety, Depression, and Mood Scale

The Anxiety, Depression, and Mood Scale (ADAMS) is a factor-derived measure of anxiety and mood symptoms [26] that has been validated in FXS samples [3]. Parents/caregivers are asked to rate the frequency and severity of 28 items on a scale of 0 “not a problem” to 3 “severe problem.” The ADAMS produces a total score and 5 subscale scores: manic/hyperactive behavior, depressed mood, social avoidance, general anxiety, and compulsive behavior.

Aberrant Behavior Checklist—Community for FXS

The Aberrant Behavior Checklist—Community for FXS (ABC-CFXS) is a 58-item scale used to measure parent/caregiver assessment of maladaptive behavior [27]. Factor analytic examination of the Aberrant Behavior Checklist—Community (ABC-C) within an FXS population yields a 6-factor solution [28] consisting of the following maladaptive behavior domains: social avoidance, stereotypic behavior, lethargy, irritability, hyperactivity, and inappropriate speech. Items are rated on a 4-point Likert scale ranging from 0 “not a problem at all” to 3 “the problem is severe in degree.”

Pediatric Anxiety Rating Scale

The Pediatric Anxiety Rating Scale (PARS-R) is a clinician-administered instrument that measures parent/caregiver assessments of 61 anxiety-related symptoms [24]. The PARS-R is validated for children with intellectual disability and is well correlated with parent-report and physician rating of anxiety [29]. Using a 5-point Likert scale, the interviewer assesses 7 anxiety domains, including number, frequency, and severity of anxiety symptoms; severity of physical symptoms of anxiety; avoidance of anxiety-provoking situations; and interference in family relationships and other relationships. For clinical trials, a total severity score is determined by summing 5 of the 7 domain scores. Higher scores reflect greater severity/impairment.

Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory

The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) asks parent/caregiver to rate 23 items related to core health dimensions assessed by the World Health Organization [30]. The scale produces a total score and subscale scores for physical, emotional, social, and school functioning, with good consistency and reliability [31].

Visual Analogue Scale

Parents/caregivers were asked to report on their child’s anxiety, hyperactivity, and tantrum/mood lability over the past week by marking on three 10-cm visual lines that were oriented between 0 “best behavior” and 10 “worst behavior.” The horizontal marks were measured in centimeters to quantify improvements or worsening of behavior since last assessment. Reliability for single-construct visual analogue scale (VAS) measures has been well established as proxies for more comprehensive measures of mood and anxiety [32].

Clinical Global Impression Scale—Severity (CGI-S) and Improvement (CGI-I)

The CGI was developed for clinicians in clinical trials to assess patients’ global functioning before and after intervention [33]. At baseline (i.e., screening), clinicians rated the severity of the patient’s current symptoms (CGI-S), while during the study, clinicians assessed how much the patient’s illness has improved or worsened relative to the baseline (i.e., screening) state (CGI-I) using two 7-point Likert-type scales. Lower scores on the CGI-S reflect better functioning, while lower scores on the CGI-I reflect greater improvements in symptoms. The CGI is well-validated and correlates with other standardized measures of psychiatric severity [34,35,36].

Statistical Data Analysis Methods

Safety and tolerability were assessed by tabulation of the number and severity of AEs reported among all treated patients as well as monitoring for changes in physical and neurological exams, vital signs, laboratory values, pregnancy, modified suicidality checklist, and ECGs. Primary efficacy was assessed by testing for mean change from screening to week 12 in the total score and all subscale scores of the ADAMS. Secondary indicators of efficacy were assessed by testing for mean change from screening to week 12 in ABC-CFXS subscale scores, PARS-R total severity score, PEDS-QL total and subscale scores, and mean VAS scores. Mean CGI-I scores (which assessed reported improvement at week 12) were summarized using descriptive statistics. All mean differences were tested with two-tailed paired-sample t tests (alpha = .05); nominal p values were reported as is without controlling for multiplicity. Given the small sample size, descriptive statistics of the median change and median percent change [Percent change = 100 × (change/screening)] were also calculated on each outcome measures’ distribution of change scores from screening to week 12. Analysis of efficacy included all patients who completed the 12 weeks of the trial.

Results

A total of 20 patients were treated and included in the safety assessment. The majority of treated patients were male (75%), white (90%) with a mean age of 10.4 years. Half of the patients had co-morbid anxiety, one third had attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and three patients had sleep disorders. Three patients had epilepsy, for which one patient was taking valproate 600 mg per day, one was taking valproate 100 mg twice daily, and one was taking lamotrigine 25 mg twice daily. No change in seizure frequency or antiepileptic drugs was reported during the study.

Retention in the study was excellent with 18 patients completing all 12 weeks of the trial and were included in efficacy analyses. Of the 18 patients who completed the study, 13 continued into the 24-month extension phase.

Of the 18 patients who completed 12 weeks of the trial, 16 (89%) received a daily maintenance dose of 250 mg (dose C) and 2 (11%) received a daily maintenance dose of 100 mg (dose B). One patient discontinued treatment on day 63 (100 mg daily; dose B) and 1 on day 64 (50 mg daily; dose A), 1 due to an AE of worsening of pre-existing eczema and the other, a sibling of the patient who withdrew due to the AE, withdrew consent for administrative reasons. Patients were titrated up to 250 mg/day at the investigator discretion based on ZYN002 tolerability and patient improvement based on the Clinical Global Impression—Improvement (CGI-I). Two patients were then down titrated to 100 mg. One patient was down titrated due to psychomotor hyperactivity and remained at 100 mg from week 8 through week 12. The other patient was down titrated at week 6 following an adverse event of stereotypy and remained at 100 mg for the remainder of the study.

Safety and Tolerability

Frequencies of AEs are reported in Table 2. Seventeen of the 20 treated patients (85%) reported at least one treatment-emergent AE during the 12-week treatment phase. Six (30%) patients experienced at least one AE considered possibly or probably related to treatment, including two patients with application site disorders (mild dryness, moderate rash). Other AEs considered possibly related included symptoms of FXS (psychomotor hyperactivity, stereotypy, and nightmare). One patient discontinued treatment due to an AE (worsening of pre-existing eczema). The majority of AEs were mild in severity (70%) and resolved by the end of the 12-week treatment period with no dose adjustment. No serious adverse events (SAEs) were reported. AEs that were reported in 10% or more of the treated patients included gastroenteritis (25%), vomiting (10%), and upper respiratory tract infection (10%). No significant changes were observed in ECGs, physical/neurological exams, or vital signs (e.g., blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate). There were no clinically meaningful trends in laboratory values (including testosterone levels), except for an increase in eosinophil count at day 83 in the patient noted above who had a moderate rash, who completed the study. A repeat blood collection done 1 month later post-dose showed a slightly above normal eosinophil count. There were no clinically significant changes in liver function tests.

Table 2 Frequency of treatment-emergent adverse events (AEs)
Full size table

Primary Efficacy

Results of the primary efficacy analysis for the ADAMS appear in Table 3, and results of analysis of the ADAMS subscales are represented in Fig. 1. There was a statistically significant reduction in the mean ADAMS total score (t = − 5.74, p < 0.001, d = 1.36) from screening to week 12. Patients also showed statistically significant mean reductions from screening to week 12 on the manic/hyperactive behavior (t = − 4.51, p < 0.001, d = 1.05), social avoidance (t = − 4.79, p < 0.001, d = 1.14), general anxiety (t = − 7.19, p < 0.001, d = 1.70), and compulsive behavior (t = − 2.43, p = 0.03, d = 0.56) subscales. Change from screening to week 12 on the depressed mood subscale failed to reach significance (t = − 1.54, p = 0.14, d = 0.37).

Table 3 Change in primary and secondary efficacy measures from screening to week 12
Full size table
Fig. 1
figure 1

Change in mean ADAMS subscale scores from screening to week 12 (N = 18). Note. ADAMS = Anxiety, Depression and Mood Scale; Error bars represented standard error at each time point; * p < .05, **p < .01, ***p < .001

Full size image

Secondary Efficacy

Consistent with the results of the primary efficacy analysis, patients taking ZYN002 demonstrated statistically and clinically significant 12-week reductions in all subscales of the ABC-CFXS [i.e., social avoidance (t = − 4.31, p < 0.001, d = 1.00), stereotypy (t = − 4.20, p < 0.001, d = 0.99), socially unresponsive/lethargic (t = − 3.40, p < 0.01, d = 0.76), irritability (t = − 2.92, p < 0.01, d = 0.69), hyperactivity (t = − 2.48, p = 0.02, d = 0.58), and inappropriate speech (t = − 3.69, p < 0.01, d = 0.87)]. Patients also showed significant improvements between screening and week 12 on the PARS-R (t = − 4.18, p < 0.001, d = 0.98), the PedsQL total score (t = 2.98, p < 0.05, d = 0.77), and the subscale scores for psychosocial health (t = 2.25, p < 0.05, d = 0.58) and emotional functioning (t = 2.27, p < 0.05, d = 0.58). Likewise, VAS measures of hyperactivity/impulsivity (t = − 4.77, p < 0.001, d = 1.10), tantrum/mood lability (t = − 3.59, p < 0.01, d = 0.86), and anxiety (t = − 4.25, p < 0.001, d = 1.01) all showed significant improvement. Mean CGI-S at screening was 5.10 (SD = 1.39), indicating “marked” impairment in functioning at baseline, while the mean CGI-I at week 12 was 2.50 (SD = 1.01), indicating “minimally” to “much” improved symptomatology following treatment. The only secondary measures of mean change that failed to reach significance were the PedsQL physical functioning (t = 2.04, p = 0.06, d = 0.53), school functioning (t = .95, p = .36, d = 0.25), and social functioning (t = 1.95, p = 0.07, d = 0.50) subscales. Results of all secondary measures are summarized in Table 3.

Discussion

In this open-label study, ZYN002 CBD gel was well tolerated and produced clinically and statistically meaningful reductions in anxiety and behavioral symptoms among children and adolescents with FXS. Eighteen (90.0%) of the 20 enrolled patients completed 12 weeks of treatment, and most patients received the maximum planned dose of 250 mg/day during weeks 6 to 12 of treatment (i.e., the maintenance period). The majority of reported AEs were mild in severity and resolved by the end of the 12-week treatment period. There were no SAEs reported. These results suggest clinical safety and tolerability for the treatment of FXS patients with ZYN002 gel.

Results from the efficacy analyses all converge to suggest a pattern of clinical improvement in a range of key parent-rated emotional and behavioral symptoms of FXS. Patients in this open-label trial saw significant 12-week improvement over screening scores for the majority of study efficacy endpoints, including the primary endpoint of change from screening to week 12 in the ADAMS total score and 4 out of the 5 ADAMS subscale scores, as well as the secondary 12-week endpoints of ABC-CFXS, PARS-R, PedsQL, VAS, and CGI-I. The greatest emotional improvement following treatment was observed for anxiety (ADAMS, PARS-R, VAS; d = 0.98 to 1.70), while behavioral improvements were most pronounced in the domains of social avoidance (ABC-CFXS; d = 1.00) and stereotypy (ABC-CFXS; d = 0.99). Importantly, observed improvements were generally greater than those demonstrated for placebo in prior controlled clinical trials in FXS [37, 38]. Across assessments, there was consensus in improvement in both internalizing (e.g., anxiety, social avoidance) and externalizing symptoms (e.g., irritability) over the course of treatment. Consistent with observations of change in the ADAMS and ABC-CFXS domains, patients experienced the greatest functional improvements in domains specifically related to emotional and psychosocial functioning.

The current study’s findings are limited by the open-label design and small sample size. Without a placebo control, the true effects of a drug cannot be determined. The majority of patients showed improvement on most outcome variables, with these effects being large and generally not dependent on sex, age, or body mass index (BMI). Even those secondary endpoints that failed to reach statistical significance were still associated with moderate effect sizes (d = 0.25 to 0.53). Moreover, results from the current study are consistent with data from previous trials of CBD for overlapping behavioral/mood disorders [19], extending those findings to a clinical population of children with FXS.

As no medications are approved specifically for the treatment of FXS, and recent drug development efforts have been generally unsuccessful [39], the present safety and efficacy data combine to suggest that a well-controlled, randomized trial testing ZYN002 CBD gel for the treatment of behavioral symptoms of FXS is paramount.

Conclusions

Results from this open-label trial indicate that ZYN002 may be an effective treatment for many behavioral and emotional symptoms associated with FXS, while theory, preclinical data, and early case reports have pointed toward the therapeutic potential of CBD for the treatment of FXS. Given the lack of medications approved for the treatment of FXS, this open-label study findings highlight the urgent need for randomized, controlled, clinical trials to further assess the safety and efficacy of ZYN002 for FXS symptoms ranging from social avoidance, irritability, social unresponsiveness/lethargy, and stereotypy, to anxiety.

Availability of data and materials

The datasets generated and/or analyzed during the current study are not publically available for reasons of confidentiality of patient and intellectual property information.

Abbreviations

2-AG:

2-Arachidonoylglycerol

ABC-C:

Aberrant Behavior Checklist—Community

ABC-CFXS :

Aberrant Behavior Checklist—Community for FXS

ADAMS:

Anxiety, Depression, and Mood Scale

AEA:

Anandamide

AEDs:

Anti-epileptic drugs

AEs:

Adverse events

BMI:

Body mass index

CB1 :

Cannabinoid receptor type 1

CB2 :

Cannabinoid receptor type 2

CBD:

Cannabidiol

CGG:

Cytosine-guanine-guanine

CGI-I:

Clinical Global Impression Scale—Improvement

CGI-S:

Clinical Global Impression Scale—Severity

ECGs:

12-lead electrocardiograms

FMR1:

Fragile X mental retardation 1

FMRP:

Fragile X mental retardation protein

FXS:

Fragile X syndrome

GABA:

Gamma-aminobutyric acid

KO:

Knock out

LTD:

Long-term depression

Mg:

Milligrams

mGluR:

Metabolic glutamate receptor

PARS-R:

Pediatric Anxiety Rating Scale

PedsQL™:

Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory

RNA:

Ribonucleic acid

SAE:

Serious adverse event

THC:

Tetrahydrocannabinol

VAS:

Visual analogue scale

References

  1. Steinberg J, Webber C. The roles of FMRP-regulated genes in autism spectrum disorder: single- and multiple-hit genetic etiologies. Am J Hum Genet. 2013;93:825–39 Cell Press.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  2. Lozano R, Martinez-Cerdeno V, Hagerman RJ. Advances in the understanding of the gabaergic neurobiology of FMR1 expanded alleles leading to targeted treatments for Fragile X Spectrum disorder. Curr Pharm Des. 2015;21:4972–9 NIH Public Access.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  3. Cordeiro L, Ballinger E, Hagerman R, Hessl D. Clinical assessment of DSM-IV anxiety disorders in fragile X syndrome: prevalence and characterization. J Neurodev Disord. 2011;3:57–67 BioMed Central.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. Weber J, Smith E, Berry-Kravis E, Cadavid D, Hessl D, Erickson C, et al. Voice of people with fragile X syndrome and their families: reports from a survey on treatment priorities. Brain Sci. 2019;9:1–13 Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. Crawford DC, Acuña JM, Sherman SL. FMR1 and the fragile X syndrome: human genome epidemiology review. Genet Med. 2001;3:359–71 NIH Public Access.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  6. Jung K-M, Sepers M, Henstridge CM, Lassalle O, Neuhofer D, Martin H, et al. Uncoupling of the endocannabinoid signalling complex in a mouse model of fragile X syndrome. Nat Commun. 2012;3:1–11 Nature Publishing Group.

    Google Scholar 

  7. Mouslech Z, Valla V. Endocannabinoid system: an overview of its potential in current medical practice. Neuro Endocrinol Lett. 2009;30:153–79.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Pacher P. The endocannabinoid system as an emerging target of pharmacotherapy. Pharmacol Rev. 2006;58:389–462 NIH Public Access.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. Castillo PE, Younts TJ, Chávez AE, Hashimotodani Y. Endocannabinoid signaling and synaptic function. Neuron. 2012;76:70–81 Cell Press.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  10. Ohno-Shosaku T, Kano M. Endocannabinoid-mediated retrograde modulation of synaptic transmission. Curr Opin Neurobiol. 2014;29:1–8 Elsevier Current Trends.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  11. Elmes MW, Kaczocha M, Berger WT, Leung KN, Ralph BP, Wang L, et al. Fatty acid-binding proteins (FABPs) are intracellular carriers for Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). J Biol Chem. 2015;290:8711–21.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  12. Di Marzo V, Maccarrone M. FAAH and anandamide: is 2-AG really the odd one out? Trends Pharmacol Sci. 2008;29:229–33.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. Zhang L, Alger BE. Enhanced endocannabinoid signaling elevates neuronal excitability in fragile X syndrome. J Neurosci. 2010;30:5724–9 Society for Neuroscience.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  14. Leweke F, Piomelli D, Pahlisch F, Muhl D. Cannabidiol enhances anandamide signaling and alleviates psychotic symptoms of schizophrenia. Transl Psychiatry. 2012;2:1–7 Nature Publishing Group.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  15. Qin M, Zeidler Z, Moulton K, Krych L, Xia Z, Smith CB. Endocannabinoid-mediated improvement on a test of aversive memory in a mouse model of fragile X syndrome. Behav Brain Res. 2015;291:164–71 Elsevier.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  16. Wei D, Dinh D, Lee D, Li D, Anguren A, Moreno-Sanz G, et al. Enhancement of anandamide-mediated endocannabinoid signaling corrects autism-related social impairment. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res. 2016;1:81–9 Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. 140 Huguenot Street, 3rd Floor New Rochelle, NY 10801 USA.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  17. Bear MF, Huber KM, Warren ST. The mGluR theory of fragile X mental retardation. Trends Neurosci. 2004;27:370–7 Elsevier Current Trends.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  18. Bakas T, van Nieuwenhuijzen PS, Devenish SO, McGregor IS, Arnold JC, Chebib M. The direct actions of cannabidiol and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol at GABAA receptors. Pharmacol Res. 2017;119:358–70 Academic Press.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  19. Bergamaschi MM, Queiroz RHC, Chagas MHN, de Oliveira DCG, De Martinis BS, Kapczinski F, et al. Cannabidiol reduces the anxiety induced by simulated public speaking in treatment-naïve social phobia patients. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2011;36:1219–26 Springer Nature.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  20. Tartaglia N, Bonn-Miller M, Hagerman R. Treatment of fragile X syndrome with cannabidiol: a case series study and brief review of the literature. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res. 2019;4:3–9.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  21. Devinsky O, Marsh E, Friedman D, Thiele E, Laux L, Sullivan J, et al. Cannabidiol in patients with treatment-resistant epilepsy: an open-label interventional trial. Lancet Neurol. 2016;15:270–8.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  22. Rohleder C, Müller JK, Lange B, Leweke FM. Cannabidiol as a potential new type of an antipsychotic. A critical review of the evidence. Front Pharmacol. 2016;11:1–11 Frontiers.

    Google Scholar 

  23. Paudel KS, Hammell DC, Agu RU, Valiveti S, Stinchcomb AL. Cannabidiol bioavailability after nasal and transdermal application: effect of permeation enhancers. Drug Dev Ind Pharm. 2010;36:1088–97 Taylor & Francis.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  24. The Research Units On Pediatric Psychopharmacology Anxiety Study Group. The Pediatric Anxiety Rating Scale (PARS): development and psychometric properties. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2002;41:1061–9 Elsevier.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  25. Busner J, Targum SD. The clinical global impressions scale: applying a research tool in clinical practice. Psychiatry (Edgmont). 2007;4:28–37 Matrix Medical Communications.

    Google Scholar 

  26. Esbensen AJ, Rojahn J, Aman MG, Ruedrich S. Reliability and validity of an assessment instrument for anxiety, depression, and mood among individuals with mental retardation. J Autism Dev Disord. 2003;33:617–29 Kluwer Academic Publishers-Plenum Publishers.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  27. Marshburn EC, Aman MG. Factor validity and norms for the Aberrant Behavior Checklist in a community sample of children with mental retardation. J Autism Dev Disord. 1992;22:357–73 Kluwer Academic Publishers-Plenum Publishers.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  28. Sansone SM, Widaman KF, Hall SS, Reiss AL, Lightbody A, Kaufmann WE, et al. Psychometric study of the aberrant behavior checklist in fragile X syndrome and implications for targeted treatment. J Autism Dev Disord. 2012;42:1377–92 Springer US.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  29. Russo-Ponsaran NM, Yesensky J, Hessl D, Berry-Kravis E. Feasibility, reproducibility, and clinical validity of the pediatric anxiety rating scale—revised for fragile X syndrome. Am J Intellect Dev Disabil. 2014;119:1–16 501 3rd Street, NW Suite 200, Washington, D.C. 20001.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  30. Varni JW, Seid M, Rode CA. The PedsQL™: measurement model for the pediatric quality of life inventory. Med Care. 1999;37:126–39.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  31. Varni JW, Seid M, Knight TS, Burwinkle T, Brown J, Szer IS. The PedsQL in pediatric rheumatology: reliability, validity, and responsiveness of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory Generic Core Scales and Rheumatology Module. Arthritis Rheum. 2002;46:714–25 Wiley-Blackwell.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  32. Williams VS, Morlock RJ, Feltner D. Psychometric evaluation of a visual analog scale for the assessment of anxiety. Health Qual Life Outcomes. 2010;8:1–8 BioMed Central.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  33. Guy W. ECDEU assessment manual for psychopharmacology. Rockville, MD: U.S. Dept. of Health, Education, and Welfare, Public Health Service, Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Administration, National Institute of Mental Health, Psychopharmacology Research Branch, Division of Extramural Research Programs; 1976.

    Google Scholar 

  34. Leucht S, Engel RR. The relative sensitivity of the clinical global impressions scale and the brief psychiatric rating scale in antipsychotic drug trials. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2006;31:406–12 Nature Publishing Group.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  35. Spielmans GI, McFall JP. A comparative meta-analysis of clinical global impressions change in antidepressant trials. J Nerv Ment Dis. 2006;194:845–52.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  36. Zaider TI, Heimberg RG, Fresco DM, Schneier FR, Liebowitz MR. Evaluation of the clinical global impression scale among individuals with social anxiety disorder. Psychol Med. 2003;33:611–22 Cambridge University Press.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  37. Berry-Kravis E, Hagerman R, Visootsak J, Budimirovic D, Kaufmann WE, Cherubini M, et al. Arbaclofen in fragile X syndrome: results of phase 3 trials. J Neurodev Disord. 2017;9:1–18 BioMed Central.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  38. Ligsay A, Van Dijck A, Nguyen DV, Lozano R, Chen Y, Bickel ES, et al. A randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of ganaxolone in children and adolescents with fragile X syndrome. J Neurodev Disord. 2017;9:1–13 BioMed Central.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  39. Jacquemont S, Berry-Kravis E, Hagerman R, Von Raison F, Gasparini F, Apostol G, et al. The challenges of clinical trials in fragile X syndrome. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2014;231:1237–50 Springer Berlin Heidelberg.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Dr. Mallory Loflin for her assistance in drafting the present manuscript. We would also like to sincerely thank the families and children with fragile X who took part in this study.

Funding

This study was funded by Zynerba Pharmaceuticals. Zynerba Pharmaceuticals was involved in the design of the study as well as the interpretation of data.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centre for Clinical Trials in Rare Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Children’s Health Queensland, Brisbane, Australia

    Helen Heussler

  2. Centre for Child Health Research, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia

    Helen Heussler

  3. Fragile X Alliance Inc. and Genetic Clinics Australia, Melbourne, Australia

    Jonathan Cohen

  4. The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, Australia

    Natalie Silove

  5. Zynerba Pharmaceuticals, Devon, PA, 19333, USA

    Nancy Tich, Carol O’Neill & Terri Sebree

  6. Clinical Statistics Consulting, Blue Bell, PA, 19422, USA

    Wei Du

  7. Canopy Growth Corporation, Smith Falls, Ontario, V7A 0A8, Canada

    Marcel O. Bonn-Miller

Authors
  1. Helen Heussler
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Jonathan Cohen
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Natalie Silove
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Nancy Tich
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Marcel O. Bonn-Miller
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Wei Du
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Carol O’Neill
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  8. Terri Sebree
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Contributions

HH, JC, and NS were directly involved in the conduct of the study at their three respective clinics. NT and TS oversaw the conduct of the trial. MBM assisted with interpretation of study data and initial drafting of the manuscript. CO oversaw the data management throughout the study, and WD conducted all statistical analyses. All authors contributed to the final manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Nancy Tich.

Ethics declarations

Ethics approval and consent to participate

The study was conducted under Good Clinical Practice (GCP) requirements. The Human Research Ethics Committees (HREC) reviewed and approved the protocol, informed consent form (ICF), patient information, and patient recruitment materials. This trial was designed and monitored in accordance with the procedures of the designated contract research organization (CRO), Covance Pty. Limited (North Ryde, Australia), that oversaw the study conduct. The study complied with the ethical principles of GCP as required by the major regulatory authorities and in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. Signed informed consent was obtained at Screening for all patients by their parent/caregivers.

Consent for publication

Not applicable.

Competing interests

HH, JC, and NS report no competing interests. WD is a consultant for Zynerba Pharmaceuticals. NT, CO, and TS are employees of Zynerba Pharmaceuticals. MBM was an employee of Zynerba Pharmaceuticals during the time of the study conduct and analysis.

Additional information

Publisher’s Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Open Access This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license, and indicate if changes were made. The Creative Commons Public Domain Dedication waiver (http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/) applies to the data made available in this article, unless otherwise stated.

Reprints and Permissions

About this article

Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Heussler, H., Cohen, J., Silove, N. et al. A phase 1/2, open-label assessment of the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of transdermal cannabidiol (ZYN002) for the treatment of pediatric fragile X syndrome. J Neurodevelop Disord 11, 16 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1186/s11689-019-9277-x

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s11689-019-9277-x

Keywords

  • Cannabidiol
  • ZYN002
  • Zynerba
  • Transdermal
  • Fragile X
  • Pediatric

Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders

ISSN: 1866-1955

Contact us