An experimental medication was found to reduce autism symptoms in mice, resulting in improved social skills and fewer repetitive behaviors, researchers from the NIH (National Institutes of Health) reported. The study has been published in Science Translational Medicine. The authors explained that so far, no cure has been found for ASPs (autism spectrum disorders).

The experimental drug is currently called GRN-529, and has been developed by pharmaceutical giant, Pfizer.

The researchers stressed that although the results of the animal trial show promise, therapies which work on animals do not necessarily do the same with humans.

It is thought that approximately 1% of children suffer from some kind of ASD, ranging from mild to severe. Signs and symptoms may include delayed language skills, repetitive movements, social difficulties, obsessions, high anxiety, and an extremely strong desire for routine and structure.

Until recently, autism was thought to be hardwired into the brain – put simply: the autistic brain is like that from birth, and nothing can be done (physically) about it. However, recent studies have shown that certain genetic faults affect how brain cells communicate with one another at synapses, the gaps between brain cells.

The mice in this experiment, rather than having autism, had autistic behaviors. They were much less sociable than the other mice, and communicated less. The mice with autistic traits also spend a long time grooming themselves with repetitive movements.

After they were injected with the experimental drug, the animals spent much less time grooming themselves, and became much more sociable.

What this experiment does show, the researchers explained, is that perhaps drugs could eventually be used for the treatment of autism itself. Researcher, Dr Jacqueline Crawley, said (in a BBC interview:

“Given the high costs – monetary and emotional – to families, schools and health care systems, we are hopeful that this line of studies may help meet the need for medications that treat core symptoms.”

Swiss companies, Novartis and Roch are testing similar experimental medications for humans with fragile X syndrome. About 1 in every 3 people with fragile X syndrome meet the diagnostics criteria for autism.

Written by Christian Nordqvist