The failure to demonstrate efficacy in social communication leaves a significant gap in the market, as there is currently no FDA-approved pharmacological therapy for this specific symptom of autism. MapLight noted that the positive results regarding irritability were most pronounced in adolescents with more severe baseline symptoms, a demographic where treatment options remain limited.

Management intends to meet with the Food and Drug Administration to determine a path forward for the drug. MapLight maintains a stable financial position as it shifts focus toward a separate phase 2 readout for a schizophrenia treatment, which is expected to be released later in August.