Treating Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Isoprinosine (Immunovir) by Cort Johnson
Isoprinosine (inosine pranobex) Is a prescription drug posited to have immune modulating and
anti-viral properties. It's generic name is Inosiplex or Immunovir. A synthetic
purine derivative it is a precursor to adenosine which modulates many
physiological processes including inflammation.
Isoprinosine's manufacturer Newport Pharmaceutical reports Isoprinosine is registered
for use in over 40 countries to treat a variety of infections including several
herpesviruses. Recent studies have examined its effects in subacute sclerosing
pancephalitis, a rare brain inflammation caused by a herpes virus (negligible),
genital warts (positive), 'recurrent childhood infections' (positive)
and again subacute
sclerosing pancephalits (a larger study - this time positive ).
Studies suggest that isoprinosine may be able to increase natural killer cell
functioning, stimulate the production of cytotoxic T-cells, increase the
production of the IL-1,IL-2 and IFN-y cytokines, enhance the transition of
B-cells into antibody producing plasma cells and helps to 'turn on' neutrophils,
monocytes and macrophages.
Isoprinosine is not licensed by the FDA and is not available for purchase in the
US. Isoprinosine can be purchased
online at Rivex Biopharma
and Life Extension.
Newport Pharmaceuticals is a small pharmaceutical company focused entirely on
Isoprinosine. It has been pursuing
Isoprinosine as a treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome in the US since 1999.
Isoprinosine joins Ampligen and Nexavir in a group of anti-viral and/or
immunomodulatoryprescription drugs produced by small pharmaceutical companies
that have yet to be licensed in the U.S.
Isoprinosine Could Help in ME/CFS Because - it appears
to enhance the functioning of several parts of the immune system that appear, at
least in some patients, to be performing poorly. These include natural killer
cells, T-cells, neutrophils and some cytokines.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) Doctors Report: In 1999 Dr. Byron Hyde
reported that a small Isoprinosine study was 'milestone' in the treatment of
ME/CFS. Dr. Paul Cheney calls Isoprinosine a 'very good immune-modulator' and
appears to have used it extensively to boost NK cell functioning and reduce Th2
dominance in the immune system. In 2007 Dr. De Meirleir stated that he felt that Inosine - an
amino acid available in health food stores - was as effective as Isoprinosine.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) Studies - Few studies have assessed Isoprinosine's effectiveness in
ME/CFS. After a small single blind, placebo-controlled trial of 16 patients in
1999 Dr.Hyde's published study (2003) indicated that 6/10 patients improved
and that their
natural killer cell activity and T-helper cell numbers increased but no changes
were seen in IFN-y,
IL-1@, IL-10 and IL-12 levels. At the 2009 IACFS/ME conference Dr. Hone
reported that Isoprinsine conferred 'significant (clinical)improvement' and
increased NK cell functioning and reduced Epstein-Barr Virus levels in patients
with reduced natural killer cell activity.
Dose: Because of its immunomodulatory properties Dr.
Cheney recommends staggering dosages:
First Month:
-
Week One: 6 tablets a day (M-F)
- Week Two: 2 tables a day (M-F)
- Week Three: Repeat Week One
- Week Three: Repeat Week Two
Second Month: Repeat first month
Third Month: Stop Isoprinosine
Four Month: Repeat Month 1
Fifth Month: Repeat Month 1
Six Month: Stop Isopoprinosine
The Phoenix Rising website is compiled by a layman. It is not a substitute for a
physician and is for informational uses only. It does not present complete
information on this drug. Please discuss any treatments
in these pages with your physician.
________________________
Dr. Cheney Discusses Th1, Th2, the Immune System and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome,
2000.
Isoprinosine Clinical Trial Shows Promise, 1999.
2009 IACFS/ME Conference: Treatment Section
Dr. Kenny De Meirleir Lecture On ME/CFS