For ads-free news, click here.
From CBS News: Caroline Connor’s concerns about her son Mason’s development began around his first birthday, when she noticed he wasn’t talking or using any words. Their pediatrician didn’t seem worried, but the speech delay persisted. At 2 and a half, Mason was diagnosed with autism.
The Connors went on a mission, searching for anything that would help.
“We just started researching on our own. And that’s when my husband Joe came across Dr. Frye in a research study he was doing,” Caroline said.
Dr. Richard Frye, a pediatric neurologist, is one of many doctors searching for treatments that can help kids with autism. He’s studying leucovorin, an inexpensive, generic drug derived from folic acid, also known as vitamin B9. It’s currently prescribed to ease side effects from cancer chemotherapy.
“It could really have a substantial impact on a very good percentage of children with autism,” Frye said.
Just three days after 3-year-old Mason started taking leucovorin, he spoke his first words.
CBS explains how the drug is believed to work:
The theory behind the drug’s use for autism postulates that some children have a blockage in the transport of folic acid into the brain that potentially contributes to some of the neurological problems associated with the disorder. Leucovorin bypasses that blockage and can help some autistic kids improve their ability to speak.
Dr. Frye said they are trying to get funding so they can get the drug approved by the FDA for autism.
“Leucovorin’s an old drug and you can get it for a very low price. So nobody is going to make a lot of money on it. So there’s no reason for them to invest,” he said.
WATCH the CBS Evening News report below for more details on this potential breakthrough:
— AutismFreeBrain (@AutismFreeBrain) February 18, 2025
Follow us on X (Formerly Twitter.)
The DML News App: www.X.com/DMLNewsApp
The Dennis Michael Lynch Podcast archive is available below, with the most recent on top. Never miss an episode. Subscribe to the show by downloading The DML News App or go to Apple Podcasts.
