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Biotech / Medical : Agouron Pharmaceuticals (AGPH) -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Oliver & Co who wrote (3304)	12/13/1997 8:01:00 PM
From: Izzy	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 6136

Dr. Oliver, regarding the "off label" use of IVIG (intravenous immunoglobulin) for AIDS, I have used IVIG for primary immunodeficiencies (agammaglobulinemia, hypogammaglobulinemia), and for passive immunization for symptomatic HIV patients exposed to measles, H. zoster, or who have tetanus-prone wounds, but not routinely as a treatment for AIDS. I basically use Gammagard IgG (no IgA) [Baxter] for IgG/IgA deficiencies since these patients have IgE anti-A antibodies. At a dosage of approx 400 mg/kg (ave 30 gms) monthly, the cost varies from about $1100 to $2500/mos., which exceeds the cost of acceptable HIV/AIDS combo drug therapy. In what AIDS patients do you generally use IVIG therapy and do you use other biologic and pharmacologic agents, such as Pentoxifyline, to modulate the immune system? Interferon gamma is used in AIDS-related Kaposi sarcoma. Interleukin-2 is a potent cytokine that regulates T-cell and B-cell immune responses; however, it has severe toxic side-effects. Interleukin 3,4,7 are in phase 2 clinical trials as adjunct therapy for AIDS. Do you know of any results so far? DISCLAIMER: The above is for general discussion only and is not meant to reflect/imply any recommendations for the treatment of AIDS patients, who should be treated on an individual basis.

To: Oliver & Co who wrote (3304)	12/14/1997 8:04:00 AM
From: James Baker	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 6136

Jll: In fact I use some forms of alternative medicine. When patients ask me about supplements I keep an open mind. I believe that the most important treatment is the one that you believe in (MIND POWER). I have been using high dose IVIG, toguether with high dose Vit C, Leukovorin, and MVI-12, from before the age of PI's and my results were incredible. Not until recently did I find the answers to why and how did IVIG worked. All the studies into the mechanisms of action have (that I have found in the literature) come from Europe. ******************************* Now JLL don't you think that to state that you believe in alternative medicine and then launch into high dose IVIG discussion you are mixing apples and oranges for the reading public??? Jim