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The purpose of this research is to investigate a new drug that is currently facing the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval process to treat the symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This new drug is Microbiota Transfer Therapy (MTT) that targets the gut microbiome, which is the ecosystem of bacteria inhabiting our bodies gastrointestinal system. Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurological and developmental condition that’s prevalence is increasing in the modern-day population, however, no treatments outside of interventions and therapies exist to treat the symptoms of this disorder. Within the past decade, researchers have begun to examine the role that the gastrointestinal system plays in the presence of Autism, in which many studies have shown that the disbalance of gut microbiomes could be linked to some of the behavioral symptoms of ASD. There is an ongoing Adult MTT study that has shown that replacing the participants gut microbiota with healthy donor microbiota, not only do their gastrointestinal symptoms improve, but so do their ASD symptoms. Preliminary results of this study have shown that this treatment is safe, with virtually no serious, lasting adverse effects, while also being effective. This study is in Phase 2 of the FDA approval process and holds promising evidence of a new treatment that would improve the lives of many.
ContributorsLaBrosse, Alexandra (Author) / Adams, James (Thesis director) / Kirby, Jasmine (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / School of Human Evolution & Social Change (Contributor) / School of Life Sciences (Contributor)
Created2024-05