Researchers searched existing drugs, looking for potential treatments for the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder. The most promising one they found is called loperamide, better known by the brand name Imodium, which is commonly used for diarrhea.
Study is the first to use protein interaction networks to study whether existing drugs could treat autism, finding potential in a common antidiarrheal drug.
There are currently no effective treatments for the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), such as difficulties with socializing and communicating. A new study uses a computer-based protein interaction network to identify whether existing drugs could provide a new treatment approach. The researchers discovered that a common anti-diarrheal drug may have potential in treating the social difficulties associated with ASD.
Can you teach an old drug new tricks? Drug treatments for the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are not currently available. However, could an existing drug provide a new treatment, even if it previously had no association with ASD? This was the question asked by a new study that was published on September 12 in the journal Frontiers in Pharmacology. The researchers used a computer model that encompasses proteins involved in ASD and the way they interact.
They identified potential candidates to treat ASD by looking at how different drugs affected proteins in the system. A commonly used antidiarrheal drug called loperamide was the most promising candidate, and the researchers have an interesting hypothesis about how it may work to treat ASD symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms of ASD involve difficulties with social interaction and communication.
“There are no medications currently approved for the treatment of social communication deficits, the main symptom in ASD,” said Dr. Elise Koch. She is the lead author of the study and a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Institute of Clinical Medicine at the DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.995439
