MEDICAL UPDATE: Thalidomide As Treatment For Wasting Syndrome

MEDICAL UPDATE: Thalidomide As Treatment For Wasting Syndrome

Being Alive Newsletter; Beling Alive/Los Angeles - September 93
Mark Katz MD and reported by Jim Stoecker

Those of us who grew up in the 50s remember thalidomide as the drug that caused widespread birth defects in Europe, before being banned. Now we see reports in the popular press about thalidomide's use in fighting the effects of HIV.

More reliable than the media, however, is a report in the proceedings of the National Academy of Science. The article cites test tube data that show thalidomide blocking TNF (tumor necrosis factor). TNF is a prime suspect in causing the wasting syndrome seen in late stage HIV disease. We understand that early clinical trials are underway, so we hope to have more news on thalidomide soon.

930900
BA930910

AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted grants from Roxane Laboratories, the National Library of Medicine, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1993. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

Copyright © 1993 - Beings Alive. Permission granted for noncommercial reproduction, provided that our address and phone number are included if more than short quotations are used. Subscription lists are kept confidential. Being Alive, 621 N. San Vicente Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069, Tel - 310.289.2551; FAX - 310.289.9866; Email: BeiAlive@aol.com http://www.beingalivela.org/

This information is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
©1993. AEGIS.