A compelling study has utilized a new kind of computer modeling to investigate how pre-existing drugs could be repurposed to treat autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Among the findings was a curious discovery indicating a common anti-diarrhea drug could hypothetically improve ASD symptoms.

“There are no medications currently approved for the treatment of social communication deficits, the main symptom in ASD,” explained lead author on the study Elise Koch, from the University of Oslo. “However, most adults and about half of children and adolescents with ASD are treated with antipsychotic drugs, which have serious side effects or lack efficacy in ASD.”

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To explore potential new treatments for ASD the researchers used a type of computer modeling that simulates complex protein interactions. A network modeling proteins associated with ASD was constructed and the influence of pre-existing drugs on that network was then modeled, with the results pointing to several molecules that could counteract the processes underlying ASD.

Read more: New Atlas