1/30/2002
SEATTLE, Jan 30, 2002 (BW HealthWire)
-- The Multiple Sclerosis Journal, out today, reports that Prokarin(TM)
proves to be an effective treatment for the most common symptom of M.S,
fatigue.
29 M.S. patients (screened from 378
applicants) participated in the double-blind study conducted in the Seattle
area. The intent of the study was to determine the effect of Prokarin on
fatigue, without regard to disease type (relapsing-remitting versus progressive).
91% of study participants taking Prokarin rather than the placebo reported
significant improvement.
Fatigue was chosen as the primary
outcome measure because, according to the study, "it can have an overwhelming
impact on the patient, their family, and society." The pervasive fatigue
level addressed in the study was defined as severe enough to interfere
with the patient's usual and desired activity level. The three-month study
was conducted by Doctors George Gillson and Todd Richards.
Other data obtained from the study
also showed Prokarin to improve walking, coordination and cognitive skills.
And there were no serious adverse effects.
Dr. Todd Richards, Professor of Radiology
from the University of Washington, conducted MRI imaging as part of the
Prokarin study. He found that Prokarin affected the brain's chemistry,
specifically the N-Acetyl Aspartate levels (pronounced En As-ee'-til As-part'-ate).
N-Acetyl-Aspartate is necessary for healthy brain function. According to
Dr. Richards, "I was surprised that the levels changed that quickly. I
would have expected to see a change after many months or a year, so I was
surprised to see the levels change so dramatically after two to three months."
Study participant Katie Knight noticed
a definite difference. She purchased a wheelchair shortly before the study
began. By the end of the study, she had put her wheelchair away. "I wasn't
needing the wheelchair. And by the end of the study, I was feeling pretty
confident. I use a cane, but it was much easier." Knight, who works full
time, noticed she could think more clearly, too. "I noticed my thought
processes were clearer. I could decide which tasks to do first and get
them done in a more reasonable order. When you are fatigued, that all goes
out the window."
Study investigator Dr. George Gillson,
MD, PhD, (Scientific Director at Life Diagnostics in Calgary, Canada) has
prescribed Prokarin to hundreds of patients. He has seen the positive difference
it can make in his patients' lives. "The Prokarin-treated group improved
dramatically at 4 weeks, and sustained that improvement throughout the
3-month study. We carried out a well-designed study that demonstrated a
significant finding about the affect of Prokarin on fatigue. I think the
numbers speak for themselves." Approximately 500,000 people have been diagnosed
with Multiple Sclerosis in the United States; about 4 million worldwide.
About 200 cases of M.S. are diagnosed each week in the United States.
Prokarin is applied via a transdermal
patch, available by doctor's prescription and only filled at compounding
pharmacies. And Prokarin is less expensive than most MS drugs on the market.
For those living in rural areas, or without easy access to a compounding
pharmacy, Prokarin prescriptions may be sent via overnight delivery. For
information about Prokarin, or the name of compounding pharmacists nationwide,
go to the Prokarin web site at www.Prokarin.com.
Prokarin was developed by Elaine
DeLack, a registered nurse who was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in
1988. She developed the underlying theory for Prokarin while doing research
for an advanced nursing degree. She began using Prokarin in 1998. She continues
to use Prokarin, and has remained symptom free since then.
The Multiple Sclerosis Journal is
published Bi-monthly. The Editor-in-Chief is Professor Donald Silberberg,
Department of Neurology, at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.
Information about the Multiple Sclerosis Journal may be obtained on their
web site, http://www.multiplesclerosisjournal.com
CONTACT:
PR Ink, inc., Seattle India Simmons,
425/742-6926 or EDMS (Innovators of Prokarin(TM)) Elaine DeLack, 866/222-3367
(Toll Free) or Life Diagnostics Dr. George Gillson, 403/215-7650 or University
of Washington Dr. Todd Richards, 206/598-6725
Copyright (C) 2002 Business Wire