FDA Explores Leucovorin as Potential Autism Therapy,Links Tylenol Use During Pregnancy to Condition
WASHINGTON – The Food and Drug Administration is considering allowing the use of leucovorin,a drug typically used to mitigate the effects of certain cancer treatments,as a therapy for autism,the White House announced Monday. The move comes amid a renewed focus on potential treatments for autism spectrum disorder and a controversial claim linking Tylenol use during pregnancy to an increased risk of autism.
During an event on autism at the White House, FDA Commissioner Marty Makary stated his belief that “hundreds of thousands of kids with autism could benefit” from leucovorin treatment. Health officials also raised concerns regarding acetaminophen (Tylenol) use during pregnancy, suggesting a possible connection to the development of autism. This announcement marks a meaningful shift in the conversation surrounding autism treatment and potential environmental factors contributing to the condition, though the scientific basis for these claims remains under scrutiny.
Leucovorin is a form of folate, a B vitamin, commonly used to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy and certain other cancer treatments. The proposed submission for autism stems from theories suggesting folate deficiencies may play a role in the disorder. Makary indicated the FDA is actively exploring pathways to make the drug more accessible to individuals with autism, though specific details regarding approval processes and treatment protocols were not immediately available.
The administration also highlighted a potential link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism, a claim that has been the subject of ongoing debate within the scientific community. While some studies have suggested a correlation, the FDA has not issued official guidance on the matter, and further research is needed to establish a definitive causal relationship.
President Trump and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.spearheaded the event, signaling a commitment to addressing autism through novel approaches. The announcement is likely to spark debate among medical professionals and autism advocates, with many calling for rigorous scientific evaluation before implementing new treatment strategies. The FDA’s exploration of leucovorin and the concerns raised about acetaminophen represent a potentially significant turning point in the search for effective interventions and preventative measures related to autism spectrum disorder.
