Beyond Air, Inc. announced the publication of new data that support ongoing preclinical development of selective nNOS inhibitors for the treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HUJI) has previously published studies suggesting that NO is a pathologic factor in ASD. In previously published studies, 10-day daily injections of 7-nitroindazole (7-NI), a selective nNOS inhibitor, reversed the manifestations of ASD phenotype, and reversed nitrosative stress.

These new data published by HUJI, available online at ScienceDirect (Effects of extended-release 7-nitroindazole gel formulation treatment on the behavior of Shank3 mouse model of autism - ScienceDirect), provide additional evidence for the efficacy of selective nNOS inhibitors in the treatment of ASD. The novel extended-release gel formulation maintained the plasma level of 7-NI at 45 µg/ml/day for approximately 10 days. The researchers observed improved cognitive memory, social interaction and reduced anxiety-like behavior in Shank3 mutant mice.

This was accompanied by a reduction in 3-nitrotyrosine levels (an indicator of nitrative/nitrosative stress).