Hi all,
New research using a mouse model and involving the old drug, Suramin (previously used to treat the parasitic disease called African sleeping sickness), studied the possible reversal of symptoms from autism. Researchers report that the drug effectively restored typical communication between cells in mice who had a human equivalent age of 30 and led the once-reclusive animals to seek out unfamiliar mice and explore new parts of their surroundings.
The results were temporary, with a single dose of the drug remaining effective in the mice for about five weeks. Researchers said Suramin cannot be used long-term since it can lead to serious side effects like anemia and adrenal gland dysfunction.
This possible new approach called antipurinergic therapy is a way to target the challenge of autism. A better understanding of Suramin’s effects on autism could lead to better treatments that may be used in conjunction with behavioral therapy to improve outcomes for individuals on the spectrum. Researchers said the findings are promising and warrant a small clinical trial of children with autism starting later this year.
Rochelle Kenyon, SME