Drug Repurposing, Explained
Watch Director of Research & Clinical Collaboration Rachel Heilmann explain drug repurposing and what it could mean for NARS1 Disorder, shared first at our Boston Family and Researcher Gathering in August 2026.
Three candidates have shown early promise in lab research: Amantadine, Citicoline, and Luteolin. All three already have real-world safety data from use in other conditions. None are approved treatments for NARS1 Disorder, and none should be started without your child's medical team involved.
For each one, we've put together two documents: a plain-language guide for families, and a clinical reference your child's provider can use to weigh the evidence. Explore whichever guide is most useful to you below.
Amantadine
Originally developed for Parkinson's disease, Amantadine works on brain chemicals linked to movement, mood, and attention. It's been studied off-label in children and adults for a range of neurological conditions, and lab research has identified it as a possible candidate for NARS1 Disorder.
Citicoline
Citicoline is a naturally occurring compound that helps repair and maintain brain cell membranes. It's studied worldwide for stroke, brain injury, and cognitive conditions, and lab research has identified it as a possible candidate for NARS1 Disorder.
Luteolin
Luteolin is a plant compound found in foods like celery and chamomile, usually taken as a supplement alongside quercetin and rutin. It's been studied in children with autism for its effects on inflammation, and lab research has identified it as a possible candidate for NARS1 Disorder.