FDA finds little evidence that a drug touted by Trump can help people with autism

The Food and Drug Administration approves a generic drug for a very rare genetic disorder, but not for autism. On Tuesday, the US agency said the drug helps children and adults who are unable to get enough folate into the brain. This is a major turnaround from announcements made at a White House press conference in September. At that event, President Donald Trump and the FDA commissioner said the drug was under review for approval in autistic patients. FDA officials say they limited the review to the strongest evidence. They say evidence supports its use only in patients with a specific genetic mutation.