In news

A group of Indian researchers have developed a compound called “6BIO” that can provide a better method to treat Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). 

Details

• They have determined the potency of the compound in a pre-clinical mice model.
• This is the first compound that has been proved in pre-clinical evaluation to have the potential for improving daily activities like learning and recollecting new tasks in patients with ASD/ Intellectual disability (ID).

About the Disorder

• Autism Spectrum Disorder arises from impairment in brain development and it is accompanied by a series of symptoms and severity.
• This disorder impacts the behavioural patterns of the individuals, thus disturbing the potential to communicate and socialize.
• It includes conditions such as autism, Asperger’s syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder and pervasive developmental disorders.
• This is resulting in the rise of severe burden in the society as there is an unavailability of treatment and potent drugs for Autism Spectrum disorder.
• The existing treatments increase the adverse effects like epileptic seizures, sleep issues without addressing the root cause of the disorder.
• It does not have an appropriate pharmacological or genetic method to treat ASD/ID.

Outcome of research

• The researchers employ the usage of a compound called 6BIO that enables the restoration of neuronal functions to treat ASD/Intellectual Disability. This offers a better therapeutic value.
• The research showed that the 6BIO compound helps in the improvement of learning, memory, sociability and reduces epileptic seizures.
• Restoration of neural functions by the compound (6BIO), in the middle stage of brain development (between 7-11 years) has been observed in the study.
• Therefore, this research provides a better understanding and a proper line of treatment with
  enormous compassion to improving the lives of autistic children, and children with other disabilities who face social challenges.
• This study reveals the growing importance of rare disorders and their treatment