A shorter, focused edition of our full John Slattery conversation.

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 explain the essential findings in about 24 minutes.

They cover what the trial actually measured, why language and communication mattered, folate receptor alpha autoantibodies (FRAAs), FOLR1, how folate reaches the brain, the reduced folate carrier, testing, and why some children may respond while others do not. John also clarifies what the FDA actually approved in 2026 — FOLR1-related cerebral folate transport deficiency — and why that is not the same as a broad FDA approval of leucovorin for autism.

The conversation also addresses a practical question many families raise when their own clinician is unfamiliar with leucovorin, and John describes the access model being developed by Meadow Biosciences. This discussion is descriptive and educational; Biohacking Autism does not provide prescribing or medication-acquisition services.

Want the complete science and context?

Watch the full 1:41 conversation:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VP-Rm0XOLsg

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. Individual testing and treatment decisions should be made with a qualified healthcare professional who knows the person’s medical history.