Trump admin cites Harvard dean's research to link Tylenol, autism
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The Trump administration has cited research from a Harvard professor to link Tylenol to autism.
Why it matters: Experts say the research suggests, at most, a correlation between Tylenol and neurodevelopmental conditions like autism.
Catch up quick: President Trump alleged Tuesday that exposure to acetaminophen causes autism in children and urged pregnant people not to take the drug.
- Trump didn't mention Harvard by name, but FDA Commissioner Marty Makary cited recently published research from Harvard School of Public Health Dean Andrea A. Baccarelli as evidence for the claim, the Harvard Crimson reported.
What they're saying: "To quote the dean of the Harvard School of Public Health, there is a causal relationship between prenatal acetaminophen use and neurodevelopmental disorders of ADHD and autism spectrum disorder," Makary said.
Yes, but: Baccarelli said in a statement on X that there is a "possibility of a causal relationship" and that further study is needed.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists still backs acetaminophen as a safe option during pregnancy, a stance also supported by outside experts.
- Kenvue, which makes Tylenol, said Tylenol is a safer choice because it can treat fevers and pain that would otherwise increase the chances of miscarriage, premature birth and birth defects.
The latest: Baccarelli received at least $150,000 to testify against Tylenol in a federal lawsuit in 2023, the New York Times reported Tuesday.
- U.S. District Judge Denise L. Cote dismissed the case last year, citing a lack of scientific evidence.
- "He cherry-picked and misrepresented study results and refused to acknowledge the role of genetics in the etiology" of autism or ADHD, Cote wrote in her decision.
- Plaintiffs have since appealed the ruling.