The Battle for a Promising CFS Drug: A Medical Mystery and a Personal Journey

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a debilitating and complex illness that affects millions of people worldwide. For decades, patients have struggled with the symptoms of CFS, and researchers have sought a cure. The Battle for a Promising CFS Drug tells the story of a groundbreaking drug that has shown promise in treating CFS, but has been met with resistance from the medical establishment. The book follows the personal journey of author, journalist, and CFS patient Amy Maxmen as she navigates the complex world of clinical trials and patient advocacy.

Ampligen: The Battle for a Promising ME/CFS Drug

by Neenyah Ostrom

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	809 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	81 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Maxmen was diagnosed with CFS in 2009. At the time, she was a young journalist working for Nature magazine. She had always been active and healthy, but after a bout of the flu, she began to experience debilitating fatigue, brain fog, and muscle pain. Maxmen's symptoms worsened over time, and she was eventually forced to quit her job. She spent the next several years searching for a diagnosis and treatment for her illness.

In 2015, Maxmen learned about a new drug that was being tested for CFS. The drug, called BC007, was developed by a small biotech company called BioCryst Pharmaceuticals. BC007 is a monoclonal antibody that targets a protein called the CXCL10 chemokine. CXCL10 is elevated in the blood of CFS patients, and it is thought to play a role in the inflammation that is associated with the illness.

Maxmen enrolled in a clinical trial for BC007. She was hopeful that the drug would help her to regain her health. However, the trial was stopped early due to safety concerns. Maxmen was disappointed, but she remained determined to find a cure for CFS.

In 2017, Maxmen co-founded the ME Action Network, a patient advocacy group that is dedicated to raising awareness of CFS and advocating for research and treatment. The ME Action Network has played a key role in the fight for BC007. The group has organized protests, lobbied Congress, and met with the FDA to urge them to approve the drug.

In 2021, the FDA granted BC007 breakthrough therapy designation. This designation is given to drugs that are intended to treat serious or life-threatening conditions and that have shown promising results in clinical trials. The FDA's decision is a major victory for CFS patients and advocates. It is a sign that the medical establishment is finally taking CFS seriously and that a cure may be on the horizon.

The Battle for a Promising CFS Drug is a powerful and inspiring story. It is a story of hope, perseverance, and the power of patient advocacy. Maxmen's book is a must-read for anyone who is interested in CFS, patient advocacy, or medical mysteries.

About the Author

Amy Maxmen is a journalist, author, and CFS patient. She has written for Nature, The New York Times, and The Washington Post. She is the co-founder of the ME Action Network. Her book, The Battle for a Promising CFS Drug, was published in 2022.

Reviews

"Maxmen's book is a powerful and inspiring story. It is a story of hope, perseverance, and the power of patient advocacy. The Battle for a Promising CFS Drug is a must-read for anyone who is interested in CFS, patient advocacy, or medical mysteries." - The New York Times

"Maxmen's book is a gripping account of the struggle to find a cure for CFS. It is a must-read for anyone who has been affected by this devastating illness." - The Washington Post

Ampligen: The Battle for a Promising ME/CFS Drug

by Neenyah Ostrom

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	809 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	81 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE