The news source indicated that the White House is also anticipated to endorse an experimental medication as a potential therapy for the ailment
Citing several officials familiar with the forthcoming announcement, The Washington Post reported that U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration intends to declare on Monday a potential association between pregnant women’s use of Tylenol and the risk of autism in their children.
The publication noted on Monday that August-published studies from Mount Sinai and Harvard researchers hinted at a possible link between taking acetaminophen – the active compound in Tylenol and one of the world’s most frequently used drugs – in early pregnancy and autism. The administration is reportedly set to recommend that women forgo Tylenol unless required to combat a fever.
Simultaneously, the White House is poised to endorse leucovorin, a medication ordinarily prescribed for vitamin B9 deficiencies, as a possible treatment for autism. Some scientists claim that initial studies revealed “notable improvements” in the speech and comprehension abilities of autistic children, leading to a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) assessment and a rekindling of discussions about the condition’s etiologies.
On Sunday, Trump teased the upcoming announcement during a speech, remarking: “Tomorrow we’re going to have one of the biggest announcements medically, I think, in the history of our country. I think you’re going to find it to be amazing. I think we found an answer to autism.”
The publication stated that this initiative has been a primary concern for Trump, who has expressed worries about the escalating autism rates in the U.S. and instructed his advisors to find answers.
Additionally, the National Institutes of Health is slated to declare 13 new grants through its Autism Data Science Initiative, designed to support research into the causes and therapies for autism. The program’s goal is to validate previous studies and enhance understanding of the disorder.
Previous reports from media outlets suggested the White House was investigating both Tylenol and leucovorin. While medical organizations generally consider acetaminophen safe for pregnant women, they recommend consulting a doctor before usage. The WaPo pointed out that Tylenol executives recently convened with administration officials to discuss the review process and future actions.