A new drug is showing promise for treating social withdrawal and challenging behaviors associated with fragile X syndrome and some cases of autism.
In a clinical trial of the drug compound STX 209, also known as Arbaclofen, researchers reported Wednesday that both kids and adults alike with fragile X syndrome showed signs of improvement.
Researchers tested the medication as compared to a placebo on 63 people ages 6 to 39 with fragile X between December 2008 and March 2010. Using a behavior rating scale and parent observations, the study published in the journal Science Translational Medicine indicates that the drug yielded gains in socialization and problem behaviors.
The drug was no more successful than a placebo in treating irritability, however.
“This is the first large-scale study that is based on the molecular understanding of fragile X syndrome and, importantly, suggests that the core symptoms may be amenable to pharmacologic treatment,” said Elizabeth Berry-Kravis of Rush University Medical Center, the lead author of the study.
Fragile X is the most common known cause of inherited intellectual disability and many with the condition also have autism, so finding a treatment may benefit a broad range of individuals.
The research, conducted by scientists at Rush University Medical Center and the University of California, Davis, was funded by Seaside Therapeutics, the maker of the drug being studied.
My understanding is that this drug is something like a superpotent version of Baclofen, which is used by some people who have MS and CP to control spastic muscle movement. It is also being investigated for potential benefits reducing cravings in alcoholism.
How would this drug affect children and adults with autism? I dont see the research on that…and doesnt seem to have had a lot of testings?
No, it hasn’t had a lot of testing, and I agree that the article doesn’t really support the connection to autism that well. I’d also point out that it was funded by the manufacturer–whilst that’s not unknown in clinical trials, it does allow for one source of bias. (Results probably wouldn’t be publicized if they weren’t supportive.)
But my experience with NTs is that lots of them don’t mind doing whatever it takes to make us more like (or at least submissive to) them. Pumping us full of an untested chemical? It got Joey to stop stimming* and play with the neighborhood kids**, so let’s keep doing it!
*Never mind that stimming doesn’t hurt anyone else & is a relatively low-cost means of boosting morale.
**[TW for abusive behavior]
There was the one time when the kids thought it was funny to have Joey put his head through a rope loop, and they like tormenting the dog to jump over the shock-collar perimeter***, but kids will be kids, won’t they?
***Both examples derived from things one neighbor kid actually did: asked me to noose myself on the swinging rope, and get our dog to shock himself. Blanket increases in socialization aren’t necessarily a good thing…
This is what I got out of the article, “The drug was no more successful than a placebo in treating irritability, however.”