What Is Leucovorin, the Unproven Autism Drug Backed by Trump Officials?

image via New Scientist

September 24, 2025, 7:15 PM

• •The Trump administration is backing leucovorin (folinic acid) for autism, but scientific evidence is limited.
• •Concerns include lack of established dosage, safety data, and overall effectiveness, especially for children.
• •The proposed FDA approval would only apply to autistic individuals with low folate levels.
• •Experts caution against the drug as a 'magic bullet' and stress the complexity of autism.

The Trump administration is promoting leucovorin as a treatment for autism, despite limited scientific evidence supporting its efficacy. This has sparked concern among doctors and researchers who question the lack of established dosage, safety data, and overall effectiveness, especially for children. Clinicians and families are confused about the drug's potential benefits, as they await more data. The proposed approval, which is not finalized, would only apply to those with low folate levels, which is a small percentage of those with autism.

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