Potential new SARS treatment approach is described
Based on clinical and experimental evidence, a potential new medical approach to ameliorate the immune-based pulmonary damage, which is largely responsible for SARS mortality, is described.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (PRWEB) October 22, 2003 –- A research letter
entitled "TNF-alpha inhibition for potential therapeutic modulation of SARS
coronavirus infection," authored by Edward Tobinick, MD of Los Angeles,
published today online prior to print publication in the peer-reviewed medical
journal Current Medical Research and Opinion, Volume 20, No.1, 2004, pp. 39-40.
The article can be accessed via the Fast Track link at the CMRO Online portion
of the journal's website at www.cmrojournal.com.
This article describes a
theoretical approach to ameliorate the immune-based pulmonary damage which can
follow infection with the SARS coronavirus. This approach, which has not
previously been described for SARS, has the potential to be used in place of
high dose corticosteroids. By doing so it may be possible to avoid the
complication of avascular necrosis which has recently been noted following SARS
treatment, but still provide a way to lessen or prevent the severe pulmonary
involvement which is a hallmark of SARS.
Avascular necrosis is a known
complication of corticosteroid therapy but is not thought to occur as a result
of the use of biologic TNF inhibitors. This potential new approach has not yet
been used for SARS, and the author cautions that further testing in the
laboratory and in animals would be prudent prior to using this approach for
patients. This further testing is urgently needed.
This press release
was issued by Institute Research Associates, A [private] Medical Group, Inc.,
100 UCLA Medical Plaza, Suites 205-210, Los Angeles, California 90095 which is
solely responsible for its contents. This press release is for educational
purposes only and should not be construed as a treatment recommendation for SARS
without completion of the testing which would be necessary to confirm both the
safety and efficacy of this approach.
Note: The author has been awarded a
U.S. patent (6,419,934 B1, filed September 5, 2000) which has issued claims
covering the treatment of influenza with TNF inhibitors; he has also filed a
patent application covering the use of TNF inhibitors for the treatment of
SARS.
Press Release: For Distribution October 22, 2003.
Source : http://www.prweb.com/releases/2003/10/prweb85131.htm