Comments on: ALS Growth Hormone Study http://newsblog.mayoclinic.org/2008/11/18/als-growth-hormone-study/ Medical and Scientific News and Stories about Mayo Clinic Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:06:49 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 By: Eric Sorenson, M.D. http://newsblog.mayoclinic.org/2008/11/18/als-growth-hormone-study/#comment-704 Eric Sorenson, M.D. Mon, 01 Dec 2008 14:10:37 +0000 http://mcnewsblog.wordpress.com/?p=576#comment-704 Mr. Rossiter, Thank you for your comments and questions regarding our IGF-1 study. In terms of the circulating IGF-1 values, I cannot comment on with data. I know that the company that holds the patent to the drug for ALS did check circulating blood levels on the subjects in phase I, II and the first phase III studies. It was based upon these blood values that the twice daily dosing was based. A bigger question in my mind is whether we were able to alter the IGF-1 level or response at the motor neuron. To my knowledge this question remains unanswered. It seems likely however that if IGF-1 has any effect on ALS it cannot be given subcutaneously. Thank you for your questions, Eric Sorenson Mr. Rossiter,

Thank you for your comments and questions regarding our IGF-1 study. In terms of the circulating IGF-1 values, I cannot comment on with data. I know that the company that holds the patent to the drug for ALS did check circulating blood levels on the subjects in phase I, II and the first phase III studies. It was based upon these blood values that the twice daily dosing was based. A bigger question in my mind is whether we were able to alter the IGF-1 level or response at the motor neuron. To my knowledge this question remains unanswered. It seems likely however that if IGF-1 has any effect on ALS it cannot be given subcutaneously.

Thank you for your questions,

Eric Sorenson

]]> By: Roger Rossiter http://newsblog.mayoclinic.org/2008/11/18/als-growth-hormone-study/#comment-701 Roger Rossiter Fri, 28 Nov 2008 17:55:36 +0000 http://mcnewsblog.wordpress.com/?p=576#comment-701 IGF-1 in the bloodstream (after subq injection) should suppress HGH production which in turn should suppress natural production of IGF-1. Is it possible, due to the natural tendency of the body to seek homeostasis, that the experimental group did not actually experience higher circulating IGF-1 levels for extended periods of time except for the initial bolus? The published research report did not specify the amount of difference in circulating IGF-1 between the experimental and control groups. Is this data available? I appreciate your resonse. IGF-1 in the bloodstream (after subq injection) should suppress HGH production which in turn should suppress natural production of IGF-1. Is it possible, due to the natural tendency of the body to seek homeostasis, that the experimental group did not actually experience higher circulating IGF-1 levels for extended periods of time except for the initial bolus?

The published research report did not specify the amount of difference in circulating IGF-1 between the experimental and control groups. Is this data available?

I appreciate your resonse.

]]> By: Elizabeth Rice http://newsblog.mayoclinic.org/2008/11/18/als-growth-hormone-study/#comment-695 Elizabeth Rice Tue, 25 Nov 2008 21:35:20 +0000 http://mcnewsblog.wordpress.com/?p=576#comment-695 Thanks for your comment, Mr. Macdonald. You are certainly not alone in your frustration. You can view another new video of Dr. Sorenson discussing current ALS research, as well as his optimism for the future of ALS research, at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Qn-NXI1tqo Thanks for your comment, Mr. Macdonald. You are certainly not alone in your frustration. You can view another new video of Dr. Sorenson discussing current ALS research, as well as his optimism for the future of ALS research, at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Qn-NXI1tqo

]]> By: dougal macdonald http://newsblog.mayoclinic.org/2008/11/18/als-growth-hormone-study/#comment-694 dougal macdonald Tue, 25 Nov 2008 19:29:18 +0000 http://mcnewsblog.wordpress.com/?p=576#comment-694 Seems obvious that the reason ALS patients are trying doubtful drugs is that after knowing about ALS for 140 years, researchers have come up with zero,zilch, nada, nothing in the way of treatments (everyone knows Rilutek is slightly better than worthless if that). Further, completing studies of a drug takes a ridiculous amount of time from a patient's perspective. We're all excited to check back in another 140 to see if anyone has gotten anywhere. Seems obvious that the reason ALS patients are trying doubtful drugs is that after knowing about ALS for 140 years, researchers have come up with zero,zilch, nada, nothing in the way of treatments (everyone knows Rilutek is slightly better than worthless if that). Further, completing studies of a drug takes a ridiculous amount of time from a patient’s perspective. We’re all excited to check back in another 140 to see if anyone has gotten anywhere.

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