Genetic therapies in store for neurodevelopmental disorders

Gene therapies have been in the news lately. They are being used to help individuals who have a genetic variant linked to a disorder or disease, including but not limited to: spinal muscular atrophy, carbamoyl phosphate synthetase 1 (CPS1) deficiency, diabetes and some types of cancers. What is the promise in rare genetic forms of neurodevelopmental disorders and autism? This week, scientists from Jaguar Gene Therapy discuss their ongoing studies in Phelan-McDermid Syndrome and how gene therapies hold promise for treating neurological impairments caused by a known genetic variant. The interview provides basic information of what a gene therapy is, how it works, how it is used and what is monitored during these treatments.

https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/infant-rare-incurable-disease-first-successfully-receive-personalized-gene-therapy-treatment

https://jaguargenetherapy.com

The meaningful impact of clinical trials

Clinical trials in autism are so incredibly important to families and adults, but sometimes hard to understand. Why? How can it help me or my family? What do I need to do? What do all of these terms mean? For researchers: it’s hard to get families to participate in my study. What can I do to improve the appeal? Caroline Averius and Zachary Williams explain in this podcast about a newly launched two new guidebooks designed to help explain clinical trials, why they are important and what needs to be shared with the community to ensure transparency.

Want to read them? Links below:

https://tinyurl.com/AutismTrialsGuidebook

https://tinyurl.com/AutismTrialsExplainer