Lifetree Clinical Research Participating in Global Autism Clinical Trial

Lifetree Clinical Research in Salt Lake City is joining with nearly 180 medical facilities around the world to take part in the largest-ever global clinical research program in children with autism, Asperger’s Disorder and Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS).

According to Dr. Reid Robison at Lifetree Clinical Research, the ConnectMe clinical research program is currently recruiting children between the ages of 6 and 12 in the Salt Lake City area with Autism, Asperger’s Disorder and PDD-NOS to evaluate the safety, efficacy and tolerability of an investigational drug on two of the core symptoms of these disorders—social interaction and communication skills. (The third core symptom of these disorders is restricted interests, repetitive behaviors and stereotyped mannerisms.)

Robison said the research may help reveal valuable insights for the management of Autism Spectrum Disorders, which now affect one in 88 children in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). He also noted that a study of a small area along the Wasatch Front found that one in 47 children in Utah may have autism. This would give Utah the highest rate in the nation.

“This is an exciting trial because there are currently no FDA-approved drugs to treat any of the core symptoms of these autism spectrum disorders,” said Robison. “Autism Spectrum Disorders impact so many members of our community and more research is still needed, which is why Lifetree Clinical Research felt it was so important to be a part of this study.”

Robison noted that the prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorders has been increasing rapidly across the United States. A 2008 CDC survey found that the prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorders has increased by 23 percent since 2006 and 78 percent since 2002.

To learn more about this research study, contact Lifetree Clinical Research at (801)269-8200 or visit: lifetreeresearch.com.