Leucovorin, also known as folinic acid, has become one of the most discussed topics in autism research. John Slattery, co-author of the 2018 randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial of folinic acid in children with autism and language impairment, joins Nadia Elkhatib to separate the research from the noise.

They unpack what the trial actually measured and found; why folate receptor alpha autoantibodies (FRAAs) may matter; how FOLR1, cerebral folate deficiency, the folate receptor, and the reduced folate carrier affect folate transport to the brain; and why testing has to be interpreted in the context of the individual.

John also explains the connections among folate metabolism, methylation, redox balance, and mitochondrial biology, along with the uncertainty around responder and non-responder profiles.

They clarify the FDA’s 2026 approval of Wellcovorin (leucovorin calcium) for FOLR1-related cerebral folate transport deficiency — and why that is not the same as a broad FDA approval for autism.

Connect with John Slattery

Meadow Biosciences: https://www.meadowbiosciences.com/

Research & References

2018 Molecular Psychiatry randomized trial:

https://www.nature.com/articles/mp2016168

FDA — FOLR1-related cerebral folate transport deficiency approval:

https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-treatment-patients-cerebral-folate-transport-deficiency

American Academy of Pediatrics — leucovorin and autism interim guidance:

https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/autism/use-of-leucovorin-in-autistic-pediatric-patients/

Disclosure

John Slattery is Co-founder, President, and CEO of Meadow Biosciences and has disclosed advisory relationships with BioTess Ingredients, Tesseract Medical Research, and Advanced Powder Dynamics. These relationships are disclosed for transparency.

Medical Disclaimer

This episode is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice or an individualized treatment recommendation. Leucovorin is a prescription medication. Discuss testing and treatment decisions with a qualified healthcare professional who knows the person’s medical history.