Death Rate is Cut by a Half in Terminal-Stage TB Patients with HIV
Ekomed is pleased to announce that its latest clinical study of botanical immunomodulator Dzherelo (Immunoxel) has been accepted as a late breaker abstract at the 4th South African AIDS Conference to be held in Durban from 31 March - 3 April 2009.
Kiev, Ukraine (PRWEB) March 24, 2009 -- Ekomed LLC announces the effect of Dzherelo (Immunoxel) in cutting drastically the mortality rate among terminally-ill TB patients with HIV co-infection. The clinical study, accepted at the 4th South African AIDS Conference, is titled "Impact of adjunct immunotherapy with multi-herbal supplement Dzherelo (Immunoxel) on treatment outcomes in end-stage TB/HIV patients"
Prognosis for TB/HIV co-infection is very unfavorable. TB and HIV are a deadly combination, accelerating each other's progress. TB is the leading cause of death among people living with HIV. Advanced stage AIDS patients with pulmonary tuberculosis have practically no treatment options. For such patients treatment options are often limited to palliative care only.
To-be-presented 2-month therapy of 40 late-stage TB/HIV patients was conducted at Lisichansk TB Dispensary in Ukraine. The study was supported by a grant graciously provided by MAPI Research Trust, Lyon, France - a non-profit organization that advances the art and the use of scientific approaches to patient-reported outcome measures.
The over-the-counter botanical immunomodulator Immunoxel was administered along with TB drugs to half of the patients (Dzherelo group), while the other half received TB drugs only (Control group). Despite best possible care 6 patients in the Dzherelo group died. The remaining 14 patients in the Dzherelo group experienced remarkable clinical improvements and one patient was even discharged from the hospital due to full recovery. Among 20 matched subjects on conventional TB drugs, 12 died and only one was slightly better-off. These results indicate that Dzherelo enhances survival rate and improves significantly the quality of life (P=0.00002).
Improvement in quality of life is also supported by substantial body weight gain (mean / median 3.3 / 4.0 kg) in much higher proportion of Dzherelo-treated patients than among the Control group who received TB drugs only, i.e., 16 vs. 1 (P=0.000001).
At the end of two months 13 (65%) patients treated with Dzherelo became sputum smear negative versus only one individual (5%) in the Control group (P=0.00007). These results indicate that adjuvant immunotherapy improves significantly therapy outcome and reduces mortality.
Scientific Director of Ekomed Mr. Volodymyr Pylypchuk said: "Ukraine has the highest prevalence of HIV/TB co-infection in Eastern Europe. This situation is similar to situation in South Africa. Our findings are consistent with the efficacy and safety of Immunoxel demonstrated in earlier clinical studies published in several peer-reviewed medical journals. This positive news coincides with the World TB Day and we are happy to be able to contribute to the global effort to combat this dreadful disease".
About Ekomed
Ekomed LLC is Ukrainian research-driven phyto-pharmaceutical company dedicated to serve patients first. Established 15 years ago, Ekomed discovers, develops, manufactures and markets botanical medicines to address unmet medical needs. The Company undertakes ethically-responsible basic and clinical research efforts to increase immune adjunct treatment options to the people who need them. Ekomed also strives to publish its research in reputable medical journals. For more information, visit http://www.ekomed.com.ua
About Zodiac Capital
This year Ekomed has established partnership with Zodiac Capital Limited - an investment banking group publicly listed on the NSX in Australia. This agreement may potentially assure worldwide global access to Immunoxel, especially for needy patients who have limited or no treatment options.
Media contacts:
Volodymyr Pylypchuk
CEO and Scientific Director
Ekomed LLC
pylypchuk (at) bk (dot) ru
www.ekomed.com.ua
Dr. Allen Bain
Director
Zodiac Capital Limited
allen.bain (at) zodiaccap (dot) com
www.zodiaccap.com
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