: There's encouraging advances to report in a baffling medical condition that affects nearly a half million children in the U-S, Autism. A research study is currently underway to evaluate the investigational use of the drug, Secretin, as a potential treatment for Autism.

To date, there are no medical treatments approved for Autism. Now, the drug, Secretin, is being developed by Repligen Corporation for the improvement of social interaction in children with Autism. Earlier study results of 3-doses of Secretin appear promising. Now, researchers at 20-medical centers across the United States will enroll patients in a phase 3 clinical trial to confirm these results.

During the study the children will be evaluated before and after treatment with Secretin, using standardized Autism diagnostic tools, in which the team will focus specifically on social interaction and communication. Researchers will recruit 300-young children ages 2 1/2 to five who will receive 6-doses of Secretin or a placebo over a 20-week period. The study's principal investigator is Dr. Margaret Bauman, a leading neurologist in the field of Autism, affiliated with Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School.

If this trial is successful, Secretin has the potential to be the first drug approved by the FDA for the treatment of Autism.

For information on study participation, parents can call Puget Sound Neurology at 425-697-2162.

 

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