| Autism: The explosion in the incidence of autism nationwide has led public health officials from several states to warn that this disease threatens to overwhelm government health care resources within the next decade. The Institute’s investigators approach autism by focusing on methods for equilibrating the gut-brain balance. Inhaled, ingested, and/or environmental causes of this condition can then be neutralized with respect to their adverse effects on mental function. Although significant progress has been made, a great deal more work has yet to be done to successfully counter this devastating disorder. |
Cardiomyopathy: This disease is increasing in incidence as our population ages and our environment deteriorates. It manifests as impaired efficiency of the heart’s function leading to a decreased ability to carry out the normal activities of daily living. Although there are several possible causes for cardiomyopathy, most cases are of unknown origin. The prognosis for these patients is generally poor and there are few therapeutic options. The Institute’s product candidate for cardiomyopathy has been shown to have utility in both humans and dogs in the small number of patients treated. Further formulation work is required before controlled clinical trials are initiated. |
Dementia: Dementia is associated with a variety of disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and the excessive use of alcohol. It is often described as an impairment of mental function that interferes with carrying out the normal activities of daily life. The incidence of, and costs related to, dementia are escalating rapidly as a consequence of an increasingly aging society and increasingly contaminated environment. Within the next five years Alzheimer’s disease alone is expected to outstrip diabetes as this nation’s most expensive disease, and the human costs are every bit as serious as the financial.
Institute researchers have a proven track record in this field as evidenced by the patent portfolio licensed to Elan Corporation for that company’s efforts to develop a therapeutic vaccine for treating Alzheimer’s disease. The Institute’s continued focus on dementia has resulted in the formulation of a novel product that in early anecdotal evaluations in humans and companion animals suggests that dementia of several types can be reversed rapidly and safely.
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| Depression and Anxiety: Depression and related anxiety disorders have been successfully treated on a case-by-case basis with the Institute’s novel formulation. Collaborative work with investigators at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has resulted in demonstrating the anti-depressant activity of the molecule in a validated animal model. Radioactive labeling experiments have shown which portions of the brain are the targets for this agent. A well-controlled clinical trial is in the planning stages at this time. |
| Diabetes and Diabetic Neuropathy: Diabetes and the pain, or local anesthesia, associated with diabetes are dramatically increasing in incidence in this country. The Institute’s approach to these problems is through the use of extremely low levels of specific antibodies directed against targets characteristic of these disorders. Early positive results in dogs and cats have led to establishing cooperative research with the investigators at the University of California at Davis who are recognized experts in the field. It is anticipated that further work on these important diseases will be conducted at Davis as funds become available for pre-IND evaluations in rats and primates. [ More about the Diabetes project... ] |
Shingles: Dr. McMichael has patented a molecule that has shown clinical efficacy in treating a variety of herpes virus infections, with shingles being a prototype. Shingles is a herpes infection related to chickenpox and is a painful disorder of sufficient magnitude as to cause incapacitation in some victims. The Institute’s product is administered by drops under the tongue, interferes with replication of the virus, and appears to dramatically reduce pain and the length of time of affliction. A formal clinical trial and expanded in vitro experiments are necessary to move this agent further along the development pathway.
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| Urinary Incontinence (UI): Urinary incontinence refers to the uncontrolled loss of urine. About 70 percent of victims are females, with the majority of cases appearing after the child-bearing years. The incidence of UI increases with age but can occur at any time. Patients suffering from urinary incontinence are often embarrassed, shunned, and may be depressed. In the elderly UI can lead to institutionalization because of stress to the care provider. There are currently several UI products on the market, but they are too often associated with adverse side effects that prevent long-term use. The Institute’s product has anecdotally shown efficacy without adversity. A formal, controlled clinical trial is now necessary to prove utility. |
