09 Oct Fibromyalgia Research Roundup – 10-9-2019
It’s time for the October Research Roundup!
Because I refuse to accept the idea that there is no cure for Fibromyalgia, I make it a point to look through the most recently released research information at least once a month.
Below is a summary of the articles I found of interest this month.
Update on 4 New Fibromyalgia Medications Under Development by Donna Gregory Burch
According to an interesting article at ProHealth.com, there are four new Fibromyalgia drugs under development. (A special shout-out to the Fed Up With Fatigue blog, who reprinted the article, which is how I found it.)
According to the article, the new drugs are:
NYX-2925 by Aptinyx Inc. – This drug showed effects on both pain-related brain activity to alter pain processing and thereby an alleviation of pain. There were no significant adverse effects and it was well tolerated by patients.
IMC-1 – Working under the premise that Fibromyalgia may be caused by an underlying infection, Innovative Med Concepts has been testing a combination of famciclovir, a common antiviral, and celecoxib, an anti-inflammatory arthritis drug. Currently trying to raise funds for human testing, the company hopes to begin trials next year with between 250 and 500 patients at up to 50 sites across the U.S.
TNX-102 SL, a low-dose sublingual version of cyclobenzaprine, also known as the brand name Flexeril, is a commonly used muscle relaxer. After post-traumatic stress patients reported good results when taking the drug at higher dosage than what had previously been tested, Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp. was able to get FDA approval to move ahead with a new phase 3 study this fall in which the drug will be administered to fibromyalgia patients. Although it is already approved for other usage, it has only been prescribed off-label for fibromyalgia.
ASP0819 by Astellas Pharma is in phase 2 development for use with fibromyalgia, but little else is known at this time.
Obesity and Fibromyalgia – Research reveals overweight FMS patients experience more severe symptoms
The article by Julie Maurer from MedPage Today is pretty self-explanatory, but a good reminder to all of us that working to control our weight and health is always a good idea. (Free email registration may be required to read the entire article.)
New Mayo Clinic Press book offers help, hope to fibromyalgia patients
This 272-page paperback by doctors Andy Abril, M.D., a Mayo Clinic rheumatologist, and Barbara Bruce, Ph.D., a Mayo Clinic psychologist, “aims to dispel myths about fibromyalgia and offer practical strategies for patients to manage it successfully. Drawing on decades of Mayo Clinic research and clinical expertise, the book is a resource to help people with fibromyalgia find solutions that lead to better health.” Here is the article about the book.
Or, watch a short interview with Dr. Bruce by a Southern Arizona’s station, KGUN9, reporter.
If you would like to purchase the book, it is available at Amazon. I haven’t read it yet, so I would love to hear back from anyone who has. It is definitely going on my reading list.
Can Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Treat Chronic Pain from Fibromyalgia?
This article from BetterAging.com discusses a study being is done on the effectiveness of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy by the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH).
I recently went through a 40-session HBOT treatment and had some excellent results.
I’m very excited to see some new research being conducted around this exciting option. Although it’s expensive, I believe it will offer a strong alternative to taking prescription medication for some patients. Hopefully, this is just the first of many studies to come. I want solid and research-based information about HBOT and Fibromyalgia.
FTC Warns Companies Against Unsubstantiated Advertising of CBD Products for Fibromyalgia
This article at Parkinson’s News Today warns about the over-zealous claims of companies marketing cannabis as a Fibromyalgia “cure”.
Throughout the years, I have had so many friends and family come to me with “miracle” cures for Fibromyalgia. Most are not backed by solid research and are just a supplement or a concoction developed to make some less than scrupulous person a quick buck. I always thank my friend or family for thinking of me, but usually I find their “cure” is just another scam or unsubstantiated claim.
Thus, in this case, I’m glad the FTC is watching out for those of us who suffer from fibro. While I do believe there is some evidence that cannabis may be beneficial, I also know it is not a cure. For those of us who are desperate to feel better, it is easy to want to believe every claim made. But it is important to remain deliberate and conscientious about investigating each claim carefully.
One More Thing
Finally, as an added bonus this month, I wanted to include this list I found of the “Top 50 Fibromyalgia Blogs and Websites To Follow in 2019.” Although I haven’t been able to go through them all, I found several interesting blogs to follow. Be sure to report back if you find one that you especially like.
So far, I am enjoying:
- Fibromyalgia News Today – (a paid subscription site that I use often)
- Fed Up With Fatigue – (See above shout-out)
- Counting My Spoons – I’ve followed this blog for years.
- Dr Ginevra Liptan | Fibromyalgia Treatment, Research & Education – I also watched some of her videos on YouTube.
I’m just getting started and hope to check out many more of the blogs on this list soon!
That’s a wrap for this month’s Research Roundup.
Please be sure to share if you find something intriguing in Fibromyalgia research. Together we can help each other uncover our best selves.
If you haven’t already, I encourage you to sign up for our email list so you never miss a post!
Until we meet again, here’s a virtual hug for you!
Donna
Posted at 11:46h, 10 OctoberThank you for the shoutout! Donna @ Fed Up with Fatigue
Cathy English
Posted at 11:49h, 10 OctoberYou’re welcome! Thank you for reprinting the article! I might not have found it otherwise.