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Century-Old Drug Reverses Signs of Autism In Mice

Posted by Soulskill on from the good-news-for-master-splinter dept.

sciencehabit writes: A single dose of a century-old drug has eliminated autism symptoms in adult mice with an experimental form of the disorder. Originally developed to treat African sleeping sickness, the compound, called suramin, quells a heightened stress response in neurons that researchers believe may underlie some traits of autism. The finding raises the hope that some hallmarks of the disorder may not be permanent, but could be correctable even in adulthood.

10 of 207 comments (clear)

  1. Well, so much for slashdot by i+kan+reed · · Score: 5, Funny

    Any idea what will be at this domain when its entire userbase is cured?

    1. Re:Well, so much for slashdot by gstoddart · · Score: 5, Funny

      Why, the insightful and informative discussions of topical issues we used to have, grounded in solid science and without bias.

      LOL, ok, I can't even type that without laughing.

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      Lost at C:>. Found at C.
    2. Re:Well, so much for slashdot by king+neckbeard · · Score: 4, Insightful

      This supposedly treats symptoms of autism, not internet diagnosis of autism that often include behaviors that have nothing to do with autism.

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      This is my signature. There are many like it, but this one is mine.
    3. Re:Well, so much for slashdot by flyingsquid · · Score: 4, Funny

      This treatment is a huge step forward. Finally- mice that can recognize sarcasm.

    4. Re:Well, so much for slashdot by wonkey_monkey · · Score: 4, Funny

      internet diagnoses of autism that often include...

      FTFY.

      behaviors that have nothing to do with autism.

      Such as tedious pedantry (see above).

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      systemd is Roko's Basilisk.
  2. Can a company patent it? by mi · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Gaining a drug's approval by the Food and Drug Administration in the US — and similar government agencies in other countries — is a very expensive process. The expense is normally offset for by the patent(s) granted to the pharmaceutical company, that developed the drug, which make it an exclusive maker/seller of the medicine for decades.

    However, if the drug is long-known — and only needs an approval for new application — who will undertake to pay for the approval, if there is no way to patent it and the approval will allow all drug-makers (both domestic and foreign) to put their own versions on the market?

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    In Soviet Washington the swamp drains you.
  3. Godsend by jklovanc · · Score: 4, Insightful

    As someone with Aspergers Syndrome this would be a godsend for me. There are many times where my adrenaline level is far above what is needed for the situation. It is extremely frustrating when most of my body is in full fight/flight response and there is a small voice in the back of my head saying "chill out dude, it's not that important". The problem is that the adrenal response usually overrides the cognitive response and bad things happen.

    I just hope it does not impact the good things about autism such as the heightened ability to find and keep track of details.

  4. Re:Where the fuck did people get the idea that.... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Insightful

    When I have a teenaged nephew who can't form coherent sentences on a regular basis let alone ever live an independent life? Yeah, I think I get to represent his condition as something being wrong.
     
    That's fine if you have this condition (or whatever you'd like to call it) and you're OK with the quality of your life but don't be making that decision for others. I have a bad hip, do you think it would be "wrong" of me to condemn anyone else who has a bad hip who's ready to seek medical treatment to make their life's situation easier for them? Or how about someone with Parkinson's? What about someone who is Bipolar? Where do you get off making the decision for others as to when their life works for them?
     
    How about you stop trying to hunt for ways to make people who want to alter their life's condition via the use of medications seem like they're wrong for not embracing what makes them "unique and special"?

  5. Does it come by WormholeFiend · · Score: 5, Funny

    in the form of a vaccine?

  6. Peer reviewed research on neuroatypical talent by tlambert · · Score: 4, Informative

    Not the original poster, but here you go...

    What aspects of autism predispose to talent?
    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pu...

    Talent in autism: hyper-systemizing, hyper-attention to detail and sensory hypersensitivity
    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pu...

    Enhanced perception in savant syndrome: patterns, structure and creativity.
    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pu...

    The savant syndrome: intellectual impairment and exceptional skill.
    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pu...

    Comparing the intelligence profiles of savant and nonsavant individuals with autistic disorder
    http://www.sciencedirect.com/s...