A Blueprint for Translational Precision Medicine in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Related Neurogenetic Syndromes

Abstract

Objectives: Despite growing knowledge of the underlying neurobiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and related neurogenetic syndromes, treatment discovery has remained elusive. In this review, we provide a blueprint for translational precision medicine in ASD and related neurogenetic syndromes. Methods: The discovery of trofinetide for Rett syndrome (RTT) is described, and the role of nonmammalian, mammalian, and stem cell model systems in the identification of molecular targets and drug screening is discussed. We then provide a framework for translating preclinical findings to human clinical trials, including the role of biomarkers in selecting molecular targets and evaluating target engagement, and discuss how to leverage these findings for future ASD drug development. Results: Multiple preclinical model systems for ASD have been developed, each with tradeoffs with regard to suitability for high-throughput small molecule screening, conservation across species, and behavioral face validity. Future clinical trials should incorporate biomarkers and intermediate phenotypes to demonstrate target engagement. Factors that contributed to the approval of trofinetide for RTT included replicated findings in mouse models, a well-studied natural history of the syndrome, development of RTT-specific outcome measures, and strong engagement of the RTT family community. Conclusions: The translation of our growing understanding of the neurobiology of ASD to human drug discovery will require a precision medicine approach, including the use of multiple model systems for molecular target selection, evaluation of target engagement, and clinical trial design strategies that address heterogeneity, power, and the placebo response.

Keywords: autism spectrum disorder; neurodevelopmental disorders; precision medicine; psychopharmacology; translational medicine.