Oxytocin Intranasal Administration to be Evaluated for Behavioral Improvements in Children with Prader-Willi Syndrome

Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) is a complex genetic neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by severe hyperphagia, cognitive impairments, and challenging behavioral issues, including social skill deficits. Current therapeutic strategies often struggle to effectively manage these core symptoms, leaving significant unmet needs for patients and their families. Oxytocin, a naturally occurring neuropeptide, has demonstrated promising effects in modulating social behavior, anxiety, and appetite regulation in various contexts. Prior preclinical and early clinical studies in adults and infants with PWS have shown positive results, suggesting oxytocin's potential to address some of the syndrome's most debilitating symptoms by influencing neural circuits involved in social cognition and feeding behavior.