PI Perspective 25: Nerve Growth Factor for Peripheral Neuropathy

PI Perspective 25: Nerve Growth Factor for Peripheral Neuropathy

Project Inform - September, 1998

Interim results from a study of nerve growth factor (NGF) shows that the drug may be an effective treatment for people with peripheral neuropathy. Two hundred and seventy people with peripheral neuropathy received 0.1 mcg/kg NGF given twice daily by injection under the skin, 0.3 mcg/kg twice daily injection or placebo for 18 weeks. People who received NGF had significantly lower pain scores—from tests which were self-administered—with the group receiving the higher dose having the best results. Additionally, NGF did not cause HIV RNA levels to increase. However, 25% of the people receiving the lower dose and almost 50% of the people receiving the higher dose of NGF complained of pain at the injection site. In no case did this result in stopping NGF. Genentech, the developers of NGF, has been slow in developing this drug for HIV-associated neuropathy and needs to start an expanded access program immediately. Many questions remain, however about when, how, and in whom nerve growth factor should be used, since neuropathy takes many different forms and has several possible causes. It is not yet clear whether nerve growth hormone is appropriate in all situations.

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Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1998. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

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The original of this article can be found at http://www.projinf.org/pub/25/oiupdate.html

This information is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
©1998. AEGiS.