The findings from the studies of Mella and Fluge so far suggests that Rituximab has a moderate to very good effect in around 2/3 of ME-patients. Out of that one can speculate about whether the remaining 1/3 might not have an autoimmune disease, or whether their autoimmunity is just of a kind that doesn't respond well to exactly this drug. An interesting question along these thoughts is of course how Rituximab affects patient-populations with a confirmed autoimmune disease. Would a response in 2/3 of the patient-population be similar to what one could find from a certain drug like Rituximab used e.g. in RA or MS? Or would one rather expect to find some response in everyone who receive the drug when autoimmunity is confirmed? I think I have read somewhere that Fluge and Mella continue their research by trying to find new ways of manipulating the immune system to help the non-responders - which of course suggests a hypothesis of finding autoimmunity also in the rest of the group. Any thoughts on this anyone? And does anyone know what treatments are being tried in the "non-responder"-group?
This really is exciting stuff and exciting times. And what a miracle it will be the day someone shows up with "the solution". For my next reincarnation I strongly consider becoming a medical researcher instead of a lawyer
This really is exciting stuff and exciting times. And what a miracle it will be the day someone shows up with "the solution". For my next reincarnation I strongly consider becoming a medical researcher instead of a lawyer