Genetic testing has the potential to identify infants and children with autism potentially years earlier than clinical assessments, improving response to therapies and long-term outcomes. Sema4 Holdings Corp. presented results of a study Oct. 13 at the Child Neurology Society Annual Meeting that showed exome sequencing improved the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders by up to 21% compared to current methods. At the same time, the research suggested that exome sequencing can identify children at risk of common comorbidities such as epilepsy, enabling more timely interventions.
Shares in Evgen Pharma plc more more than doubled in value after the biotech signed a deal worth up to $160.5 million with Stalicla SA, to develop sulforaphane-based drug SFX-01 for certain patients with autism spectrum disorder.
Iama Therapeutics Srl has sought new, selective inhibitors of solute carrier family 12 member 2 (NKCC1) to treat autism, Down syndrome and brain disorders featuring chloride (NKCC1/solute carrier family 12 member 5 [KCC2]) imbalance.
Two large-scale studies provide new data on genes, inherited variations, and de novo mutations associated with autism spectrum disorder. Some of them are also associated with other neurological conditions, like developmental delay, or schizophrenia.
The U.S. FDA has granted clearance for Earlitec Diagnostics Inc.’s Earlipoint evaluation tool for the diagnosis and assessment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children aged 16-30 months. The eye-tracking technology utilizes Dynamic Quantification of Social-Visual Engagement (DQSVE), which captures a child’s moment-by-moment looking behavior. The clearance was based on positive results from two studies in which more than 500 children were enrolled.
Microbiome-modulating therapies are increasingly being explored to treat a variety of diseases. However, the market is still in its infancy and a lack of solid regulations remains challenging for companies to overcome, speakers at the BioKorea 2022 said May 11.
Microbiome-modulating therapies are increasingly being explored to treat a variety of diseases. However, the market is still in its infancy and a lack of solid regulations remains challenging for companies to overcome, speakers at the BioKorea 2022 said May 11.
Researchers from the RIKEN Brain Science Institute in Japan have shown in mouse models that idiopathic autism could be caused by epigenetic abnormalities in hematopoietic cells during fetal development which resulted in immune dysregulation in the brain and gut.
Jelikalite Corp. has received a breakthrough device designation from the FDA for its wearable neurostimulation device Cognilum. The home-based system aims to reduce symptoms of moderate to severe autism spectrum disorder in pediatric patients aged 2 to 6 years. The designation was based on the results of a double-blind, placebo controlled clinical trial of 30 pediatric patients with moderate to severe autism, which showed the technology can significantly improve symptoms.
Habituation to repeatedly presented stimuli is a prerequisite to adapting to the environment and is, often, reduced in patients with autism spectrum disorder, which may account for social impairments. However, the brain circuitry, regulators and the molecular mechanisms involved in habituation are poorly understood.
