Asd Clinical Trials 2023

What Are ASD Clinical Trials?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurological disorder that impedes the development and functioning of the brain. ASD influences the patient's social and personal behavior. Previously known as autism, the term was changed in 2013 by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to ASD to act as an umbrella term for different autism-related disorders.

Doctors use different signs of ASD to diagnose the disorder, including social communication deficits and repetitive behavior. These symptoms become visible by the time a patient is around the age of 2. Despite intensive research, the primary cause of ASD is still unknown and is believed to be caused by a genetic factor. Hence, doctors carry out an intense family history to identify risk factors for ASD.

ASD Clinical Trials consist of observing ASD patients to evaluate early signs of diagnosis and the efficacy of the therapeutical methods and medications in treating symptoms and improving their way of life.

Why is ASD Being Studied Through Clinical Trials?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, around 1% of the global population suffers from ASD, approximately 75 million. In America, one in 54 children has ASD, with boys being more likely to be diagnosed than girls. While the disease is not inherently fatal, research suggests that ASD patients have an increased mortality rate. Moreover, the lack of better diagnostic methods leaves many of the population undiagnosed until later years of life. ASD is a mental disorder that makes it difficult for patients to carry on with their daily routines and make emotional connections.

Moreover, due to the condition's varying symptoms, no one preferred medication works for all patients. Instead, patients respond to different treatment methods, where some might not respond to any.

Therefore, ASD clinical trials are imperative to study the etiology, effect, and potential treatment methods to help diagnose the disorder and find improved treatment methods for patients to decrease the mortality rate and improve their way of life. While social advances have been made to help ASD patients, personal treatment and modification are heavily required.

What Types of Treatment Are Available for ASD?

Even though there is no cure for autism, several intervention treatments are available to improve the condition.

One of the most common intervention methods includes behavioral therapeutics. These treatments have been researched and reviewed to improve patient functioning in social situations and help them operate through life in the best way possible. Such treatment includes social skill training, speech therapy, occupation therapy, and more. This treatment usually involved trained psychiatrists working with patients to address their immediate concerns and improve their social skills.

Another potential treatment method includes medications that are targeted toward treating co-occurring conditions. Research shows that ASD patients suffer from anxiety, depression, and other mental health concern that can adversely affect their health. These medications include aripiprazole and risperidone.

What Are Some Recent Breakthrough Clinical Trials for ASD?

Recent breakthrough ASD clinical trials include:

2021: the phase 3 clinical trial (NCT03504917) conducted by Hoffman-La Roche provided vital insights into treating adults suffering from ASD with 10 mg oral administration of balovaptan daily. The drug showed improved conditions in ASD patients through the modulation of vasopressin activity through the Va-1 receptor. Vasopressin has previously been studied and believed to be associated with ASD and other social behavior disorders.

2023: the clinical trial (NCT05182697) conducted by SciSparc and Negev Autism Center Soroka University Medical Center evaluated the efficacy and safety of the new drug SCI-210, which consists of CBD oil (Cannabidiol oil) and CannAmide, in alleviating ASD symptoms without adverse effects.