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Scientists ‘CURE autism’ in mice using $3 epilepsy drug — in potential breakthrough

• Researchers switched off MYT1L in mice and human nerve cells in the lab
• Mice without MYT1L had brain abnormalities such as a thinner cerebral cortex
• They also displayed autistic behavior including social deficits and hyperactivity
• The first clinical studies in humans are in the early planning phase

By Caitlin Tilley, Health Reporter For Dailymail.Com

Updated: 12:41 GMT, 14 February 2023

A cheap epilepsy drug has cured autism-like symptoms in mice for the first time — in what could be a breakthrough.

Lamotrigine, brand name Lamictal, was able to curb behavioral and social problems linked to the disorder, which is becoming increasingly common in the US.

It is thought that the drug – which costs around $3 per pill (£2.50) – works by reversing changes to brain cells caused by a genetic mutation.

Previous studies have shown autism is more common in people who have mutations that ‘switch off’ a gene known as MYT1L.

Lead author of the study, Dr Moritz Mall from the Hector Institute for Translational Brain Research, said: ‘Apparently, drug treatment in adulthood can alleviate brain cell dysfunction and thus counteract the behavioral abnormalities typical of autism.

He added: ‘However, the results are still limited to studies in mice; clinical studies in patients with disorders from the ASD spectrum have not yet been conducted. The first clinical studies are in the early planning phase.’ 

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-11746627/Scientists-CURE-autism-using-3-epilepsy-drug-mice-potential-breakthrough.html

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