Clinical Data on Transdermal CBD Gel Safety in Fragile X
Clinical Takeaway
Transdermal cannabidiol gel (ZYN002) is being studied long-term in children and adolescents with Fragile X syndrome, targeting behavioral symptoms linked to dysregulated endocannabinoid signaling. Interim data from this open-label extension trial are evaluating the ongoing safety and tolerability profile of synthetic CBD delivered through the skin. Results from this study will help clarify whether transdermal CBD can be used sustainably in a pediatric population with a complex neurodevelopmental condition.

#23 Long-term safety and tolerability of transdermal cannabidiol gel in children and adolescents with Fragile X syndrome (ZYN2-CL-017): an interim analysis of an ongoing open-label extension study.
Citation: Berry-Kravis Elizabeth et al.. Long-term safety and tolerability of transdermal cannabidiol gel in children and adolescents with Fragile X syndrome (ZYN2-CL-017): an interim analysis of an ongoing open-label extension study.. Journal of neurodevelopmental disorders. 2025. PMID: 41254489.
Want to apply this research to your care?
CED Clinic translates emerging research into individualized clinical care. Dr. Caplan has treated 30,000+ patients.
Book a consultation →Design: 5 Journal: 0 N: 2 Recency: 2 Pop: 2 Human: 1 Risk: -2
- Preclinical only
Methodological Considerations:
- Open-label design — placebo effect not excluded
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Dysregulated endocannabinoid signaling is involved in Fragile X syndrome (FXS), suggesting a potential role for the endocannabinoid signaling modulator, cannabidiol, in treatment. ZYN002 is a synthetic cannabidiol that has been uniquely formulated as a gel for transdermal delivery and is currently under investigation for the treatment of behavioral symptoms associated with FXS. DESIGN: ZYN2-CL-017 is an ongoing, long-term, open-label extension (OLE) safety trial of ZYN002 in patients with FXS. We are enrolling patients from past and current ZYN002 clinical trials to evaluate the safety and tolerability of ZYN002 in patients with FXS. METHODS: Primary safety assessments were conducted in patients who enrolled into the OLE from 2 completed ZYN002 trials. Secondary analyses, conducted in a subgroup enrolled from a completed placebo-controlled trial of ZYN002, included the FXS-specific Aberrant Behavior Checklist-Community Social Avoidance and Irritability subscales (ABC-CFXS SA and ABC-CFXS Irr, examined change from baseline of the randomized study) and the Caregiver Global Impression of Change (CaGI-C, examined change from baseline of the OLE), in which caregivers were asked to rate the change in their child’s overall behavior. RESULTS: At the time of this interim analysis data cut (January 31, 2024), 240 patients had been enrolled from 2 completed ZYN002 trials. Mean age at entry to the OLE was 9.7 years (range 3-17 years), and the majority were male (76.3%) and White (80.4%). Mean exposure to ZYN002 during the initial trials and OLE was 28 months. Treatment-related adverse events (AEs) were reported in 12.9% of patients; the most common (6.7% of patients) was short-term application site pain. The highest degree of skin irritation reported by investigators was moderate erythema in 7 patients (2.9%). In the secondary analysis cohort (n=196 evaluable patients), patients demonstrated clinically meaningful changes in ABC-CFXS SA, ABC-CFXS Irr, and CaGI-C scor
| |
Have thoughts on this? Share it:
