Cutting edge science in a passionate environment. Our commitment at Fratagene is to find effective therapeutics for Friedreich ataxia. About Friedreich ataxia. Over 15,000 patients, mostly children, are affected by Friedreich ataxia in US, Canada and EU only. The disease causes progressive disability and reduced life expectancy. There is no approved cure for Friedreich ataxia. Friedreich ataxia received Orphan Disease Designations by both the FDA and the EMA.