Autism spectrum disorder affects millions of children worldwide and poses lifelong challenges. Current treatments often fail to address its root causes and can cause significant side effects. Mercè Pallàs, from the Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences of the University of Barcelona and the Institute of Neurosciences (UBneuro), is leading a project whose main aim is to develop a drug that improves areas of the brain involved in social interaction and repetitive behaviours - two core symptoms of autism. This project is funded by the 2025 call of the CaixaImpulse programme (La Caixa Foundation).
This year, the call has supported 31 biomedical projects from research centres, hospitals and universities in Spain and Portugal. In total, the Foundation will invest 3.8 million euros in CaixaImpulse, an initiative aimed at accelerating the arrival of innovations on the market to make them available to the patients who need them. The winning projects - selected from 428 applications - were evaluated by six panels of international experts and professionals. Among those selected were 15 projects led by researchers from 13 Catalan research centres.
A new strategy in the treatment of autism
The project led by Pallàs is developing a new approach that combines cutting-edge science with a deep understanding of the challenges of autism. The focus is on how genes are regulated in the brain, a process that plays a key role in the development of autism. As a result, the team has designed a drug that works differently from current treatments and avoids common side effects, such as sedation or cognitive decline.
This drug also builds on discoveries from related conditions - such as Alzheimer's disease - that show potential to improve brain functions that affect social interactions and behaviour. By focusing on a more precise method of action, this treatment could offer safer and more effective relief. Early studies in mice have shown promising results, with improvements in social behaviour and cognitive functions.
The next step is to test the drug in several animal models to ensure that it works safely and effectively. If successful, it could be a revolutionary breakthrough in treating autism and thus improve the quality of life of patients and their families.
CaixaImpulse: from the lab to the patient
Since 2015, CaixaImpulse has been supporting biomedical innovation and technology transfer projects, and helping researchers to validate their assets and define their strategy for use and valorization to bring research results to the market. Therefore, in addition to receiving financial support, researchers can also access mentoring, consultancy and guidance from international experts in different areas of the innovation ecosystem.
The call is carried out in collaboration with Criteria Bio Ventures, a CriteriaCaixa venture capital investment fund specialising in biotechnology and health sciences.
