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Immunocal and Autism

Oral Tolerability of Cysteine-Rich Protein Isolate (Immunocal) in Autism - A Pilot Study

 

MONTREAL, Aug. 28 /CNW Telbec/ - Immunotec Inc. (TSX-V: IMM) announced

today the completion of an open-label clinical trial on the use of a

cysteine-rich protein isolate in children with autism. Ten children, 3-15

years of age with a diagnosis of autism or autism spectrum disorder (ASD),

were supplemented with a non-denatured whey protein isolate (Immunocal(R)).

Autism symptoms, behavior, side effects, and treatment adherence were

examined, as well as bowel flora. This preliminary study showed the majority

of autistic children were able to consume non-denatured whey protein isolate

(Immunocal(R)) without adverse effects. Changes in all behavioural parameters

showed positive trends but did not reach statistical significance because of

the small numbers of patients in this pilot study. The results will provide

the basis for a larger placebo controlled double blind study to test the

benefits of using whey protein isolate in the treatment of autism. (Kern JK,

Grannemann BD, Gutman J, Trivedi MH, Oral Tolerability of Cysteine-Rich Whey

Protein Isolate in Autism - A Pilot Study, Journal of the American

Nutraceutical Association (JANA), Vol. 11, No. 1, 36-41, 2008.)

Recent evidence suggests that many children with autism have low levels

of glutathione in their cells. Non-denatured whey protein can improve

glutathione levels in a variety of diseases and disorders; however, there are

anecdotal reports that children with autism may have a worsening of behavior,

gastrointestinal (GI) disturbance or related problems after the ingestion of

sulfur-rich compounds.

Principle investigator Dr. Janet Kern stated, "We're very optimistic

about these pilot results, it makes us very comfortable to pursue larger and

longer-term studies using this strategy."

Immunotec President and CEO Jim Northrop is pleased with these initial

results. "Completion of this pilot study will encourage researchers to move on

to the next step of studying the role and benefits of our cysteine-rich

protein (Immunocal) in children with autistic spectrum disorder. I am proud of

Immunotec's commitment to ongoing research and development that continues to

validate the confidence and quality in our products."

 

About Immunocal

 

Immunocal is a cysteine-rich protein isolate derived from non-denatured

whey protein. Immunocal(R)/HMS 90(R), is a dietary natural health supplement,

developed and marketed worldwide by Immunotec since 1996. Immunocal(R)/HMS

90(R) is a precursor of the major cellular antioxidant glutathione, an element

important in maintaining a strong immune system.

 

About Immunotec Inc.

 

Immunotec is engaged primarily in the development and marketing of

natural health products, dietary supplements, vitamins and personal care

products, many of which are manufactured on its behalf by third parties.

Immunotec's products are distributed and sold in the United States and Canada

through a network marketing system and in other countries through exclusive

distributorship agreements. Immunotec's investment in this study is another

manifestation of its ongoing commitment to research and development.

www.immunotec.com.

 

 

For further information: Media: John H. Molson, Vice-President, Research

& Development, Immunotec Inc., (450) 510-4450, Fax: (450) 424-9993,

jmolson@immunotec.com; Clare Malbon, R&D Dept., (450) 424-9992 Ext 2377

 

cnw.ca/50Ir

 

Immunotec and Nova Southeastern University (NSU) Collaborate on New Autism Study using Immunocal®

MONTREAL, July 26, 2011 /CNW Telbec/ - Immunotec Inc. (TSXV: IMM) (www.immunotec.com/IRL/ Public/en/USA/products_overview.wcp?) announces that Nova Southeastern University (NSU) in Florida is conducting a study to determine the effects of Immunocal on the behaviours of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Immunocal, a whey protein isolate, is Immunotec's flagship product.

 

The primary focus of the two-year study is to determine if children diagnosed with autism would exhibit improved behaviours after consuming the cysteine-rich whey proteins in Immunocal during the course of the 90-day observation period. The outcome could be a better quality of life, both for the children and their families.

 

The principal investigator of the NSU-Immunotec study is Ana Maria Castejon, Ph.D., an associate professor at the College of Pharmacy. She and her research team are very enthusiastic about the potential outcomes. "Parents and caregivers are trying different approaches that have gained significant popularity, but have not been proven to be effective," Castejon said. Dr. Gary S. Margules, Vice President of Research and Technology Transfer at NSU, echoes Dr. Castejon's optimism, calling the study an "outstanding example of the multidisciplinary approach to clinical research".

 

Immunotec President, Stuart MacMillan welcomes the announcement of the study. "Immunotec has a long history of collaboration with leading researchers and scientists. Dr. Castejon and her co-investigators at NSU's Mailman Segal Center of Human Development have vast experience in children with developmental disorders, specifically in the area of autism behaviours and we are proud to be working with them on this study."

 

Both the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Health Canada note that as many as 1 in 150 children worldwide are affected and the numbers are rising. Treatment for autism is usually centered on special schooling and behavioral therapy, and other conventional medical treatments.

 

"This joint collaborative clinical research initiative marks an important milestone for Immunotec in the field of autism; we are proud to partner with NSU in this study," said John Molson, Immunotec Vice-President, Research and Development.

 

About Immunotec Inc.

Immunotec is engaged primarily in the development and marketing of natural health products, dietary supplements, vitamins and personal care products which are distributed throughout Canada, the United States and Mexico through a sophisticated, seamless network marketing channel and around the globe through exclusive distributorship agreements.

 

The TSX Venture does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

 

For further information:

John H. Molson

Vice-President, Research & Development

Immunotec Inc.

Tel: 450-510-4450

jmolson@immunotec.com

 

cnw.ca/63il

 

 

Autism Testimony

 

www.dailymotion.com/video/x82c1c_autism-testimony_lifestyle

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Uploaded on December 22, 2008
Taken on December 21, 2008