On February 11, 2007, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and XenoPort, Inc. announced that they have come to an agreement to co-develop and co-market the new pain medication XP13512, which is a prodrug of gabapentin (Neurontin), a medication commonly prescribed for fibromyalgia. The companies describe as a "new chemical entity that is designed to improve upon the clinical utility of gabapentin by taking advantage of high-capacity transport mechanisms in the gut to improve absorption." It is currently in Phase III development for Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) and in Phase II development for neuropathic pain. Prior clinical trial results have been encouraging.
"We are pleased to work with XenoPort toward bringing a new treatment alternative for the management of these two important disease areas of RLS and neuropathic pain where there is still such a large unmet need," said Moncef Slaoui of GlaxoSmithKline.
Friday, February 16, 2007
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There is a story called "Good Girls Don't Get Sick" at Amazon Shorts, a program of Amazon.com. I am the author.
This story's intent is to show readers what can happen mentally and physically to people who are isolated and in chronic physical pain due to fibromyalgia. I believe this story can be used in educational settings as a starting point for a discussion about emergent illnesses.
Emergent illnesses like Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, and Gulf War Syndrome are not given enough positive press, in my opinion. By this I mean many non-afflicted people don't understand the devastating effect these invisible illnesses have on peoples' lives, and that they are legitimate illnesses.It is not only adults who suffer from these illnesses. Children are also susceptible.
Here is information from the NFA ( National Fibromyalgia Association) website.
"Who is affected?
It is estimated that approximately 5-7% of the U.S. population has FM. Although a higher percentage of women of all ages and races are affected, it does strike men and children. Because of its debilitating nature, fibromyalgia has a serious impact on patients' families, friends and employers, as well as society at large."
The government is beginning to recognize these illness as real disabilities. I think "Good Girls Don't Get Sick" is a time relevant story. It is all about health, health care and individual suffering (pain management). It may not be a " happy" story, but it does tell it like it is.
I like your blog. Would you consider a link?
Here is the Amazon link.
http://www.amazon.com/Good-Girls-Dont-Get-Sick/dp/B000KHX8OI/sr=1-1/qid=1170272062/ref=sr_1_1/103-7514334-6806269?ie=UTF8&s=books
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