Dad Hails 'Miracle Drug' for Drastically Improving Son's Autism Symptoms

A father is describing an experimental drug as a "miracle" for his son, whose severe autism symptoms have reportedly improved dramatically and immediately since starting the treatment. Lev Bielski, 4, who previously exhibited self-harming behaviors, was unable to make eye contact and often isolated himself. His parents, Gabriella and Matthew Bielski, had sought various interventions without success.

Their search led them to Yamo Pharmaceuticals, a company developing an investigational oral therapy called L1-79. The Bielskis were able to obtain the treatment for Lev through the FDA's expanded-access program. According to Matthew Bielski, the improvements were noticeable almost immediately.

"It was the next day. It was right away and other people in all the phases said the same thing," Bielski told The Post. "It changed everything for us." He predicts the drug could become "the Ozempic of autism."

L1-79 aims to address the core symptoms of autism by focusing on brain signaling involved in social interaction, a departure from treatments that primarily target behaviors. Yamo Pharmaceuticals has stated that L1-79 has received FDA fast-track designation and has the potential to be the first FDA-approved therapy for the core symptoms of autism.

Matthew Bielski, founder and CEO of Defiance ETFs, sees parallels between his family's history of resilience and his fight for his son. He is a descendant of the Bielski partisans, a group of Jewish partisans who rescued over 1,200 Jews during the Holocaust. He has committed to applying the same energy to supporting the development of L1-79.

Early trial results have been promising. A 12-week Phase 2 study showed significant gains in socialization, communication skills, and speech patterns, with parents reporting rapid transformations. Dr. Tom Megarian, CMO & EVP of Clinical Development at Yamo, described the improvements as unprecedented in his 30 years of clinical practice.

The drug has demonstrated a favorable safety profile, with no serious side effects reported. Dr. Eric Bartky, a child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist treating Lev, confirmed the positive outcomes for both mild and severe cases.

Other parents have reported similar transformative experiences with L1-79. Jarret Niesse noted his daughter Payton's revolutionary shift within days, allowing for conversations previously impossible. Payton herself expressed a desire to return to the medication.

Lev, whose name means "heart," now enjoys hugging and engaging with the world, a stark contrast to his previous state. "He went from the least affectionate kid to the most affectionate kid almost overnight," his father stated.

Despite the promising results and FDA fast-track designation, Yamo Pharmaceuticals requires $75 million to fund pivotal Phase 3 trials. Matthew Bielski has personally invested in the company and is launching the Autism Impact ETF (ASD), with net advisory profits for the first two years to be donated to autism-related causes. He emphasizes the need for capital markets to support autism drug development, which is often risky and expensive.

Lev's progress, including eating solid foods for the first time and showing significant developmental wins, underscores the potential impact of L1-79. The Bielskis believe every child deserves a chance to connect with their parents, and the promising trajectory of L1-79 offers renewed hope for millions affected by autism.