Scientists reverse autism-like symptoms in hours with one drug dose

The effect was seen within hours.15:35, 29 Jul 2026Scientists have used a drug to reverse 'autism-like brain changes' within hours. UCLA Health (a leading American hospital affiliated with the University of California, Los Angeles) says its new study "suggests that some autism-related brain changes may still be treatable in adulthood". However, it's important to note that the research was conducted on mice and that the effects of the drug are temporary.‌The study exposed mice to to inflammation during pregnancy and found that their offspring developed lasting autism-like brain and behaviour changes, "suggesting that early inflammation can disrupt brain development in ways that persist into adulthood".‌But a single dose of the drug rapamycin "rapidly improved several of those changes, inclu