In its mission to do A World of Good for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Unomojo proudly backs Arizona State University’s (ASU) Autism & Asperger’s Research Program.
Funding by Unomojo has helped drive ASU’s pioneering studies on Microbiota Transplant Therapy (MTT), the first-ever natural treatment for individuals with ASD and Pitt-Hopkins syndrome, a rare genetic disorder.
ASU’s research underscores the powerful connection between gut health and neurodevelopment.
Each person has a unique gut microbiome, a mixture of good and bad bacteria. ASU’s research found that children with autism often lack beneficial microbes, supporting the hypothesis that Microbiota Transplant Therapy may help cure symptoms.
MTT begins with antibiotics to clear harmful bacteria from the intestines, followed by a high-dose transplant of healthy gut bacteria. Then, a 12-week microbiota maintenance supplement—taken as a pill or powder mixed with milk or yogurt—helps sustain the treatment’s benefits.
Many children and adults with autism have self-restricted diets consisting of only a few foods, and sometimes unhealthy ones. While their vitamin and mineral intake is low, their need for these essential nutrients is even greater due to oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and other factors.
Significant symptom improvements have been observed with the specialized supplement containing vitamins, minerals, and micronutrients.
Developed by Professor James Adams, director of ASU’s Autism & Asperger’s Research Program, this supplement supports nutritional balance and prepares younger individuals for Microbiota Transplant Therapy (MTT) as they grow older.
Several of ASU’s studies demonstrate that the supplement can significantly improve nutritional and metabolic status, autism-related symptoms, and increase IQ and developmental age.
ASU’s ground-breaking research is led by Professor Adams, and Professor Rosa Krajmalnik-Brown, director of the Biodesign Center for Health Through Microbiomes.
Autism now affects 1 in 44 children in the U.S., often bringing complex health, social, and behavioral challenges—including gastrointestinal (GI) issues. Around 40% of children and adults with autism suffer from chronic GI disorders such as constipation, diarrhea, bloating, reflux, and gut pain, often linked to abnormal gut bacteria.
In 2017, ASU’s Phase 1 MTT study reported an 80% reduction in GI symptoms among 18 participants. Autism symptoms initially decreased by 23%, improving to nearly 50% two years post-treatment. Bacterial diversity increased from 25% below normal to normal levels initially, then rose well above normal at the two-year mark. These promising results led the FDA to fast-track the treatment, allowing ASU to move forward with Phase 2 trials.
Unomojo invested $1.2 million to support Phase 2, a double-blind clinical trial identifying the optimal MTT dose for children with autism. Over 1,000 families affected by autism and Pitt-Hopkins contributed to research efforts involving 50 participants. The trial’s success earned MTT orphan drug and rare pediatric disease designations from the FDA for Pitt-Hopkins treatment.
With Unomojo’s continued support, ASU is now preparing for a Phase 3 trial—a crucial step toward FDA drug approval.
Investing in Gut-Brain Axis Therapeutics Inc., an ASU spin-off funding the research at the university, drives ongoing studies that offer hope to individuals and families affected by autism and Pitt Hopkins syndrome.
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