Autism: a target of pharmacotherapies?
Autism is reaching epidemic proportions. The diagnosis can be made as early as 2 years of age, and autistic patients are expected to have a normal life span. Thus, in terms of the number of 'patient years', autism spectrum disorder (ASD) represents a market that is as large as that of the biggest neurological indication, Alzheimer's disease. However, despite the clear unmet medical need no effective treatment is yet available. This could be because the biology of ASD is not clearly understood and thus proper drug treatment has not been possible. However, significant advances are being made toward understanding the mechanisms of the disease. Here, we review the most recent preclinical advances in the hope that they will lead to a breakthrough in the near future.
Gerlai
Robert
R
Department of Psychology University of Hawai'i at Manoa, 2430 Campus Road Honolulu, HI 96822-2216, USA. gerlai@hawaii.edu
Gerlai
Julia
J
D000818:Animals; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000235:genetics; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006801:Humans; D009154:Mutation; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000502:physiology
D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents