Let’s Broaden ALS Research to Help Patients

If you like this blog, pass it on to your friends. Let’s keep the conversation going.

ALS clinical trials are usually quite narrow. They test one device or drug only, and exclude

Researchers dong a clinical trial. See a patient anywhere?

people who are already participating in another trial. They are often limited to people who are within two years of their diagnosis. This works great for the drug companies who want to prove that their drug works. But, like placebo-controlled trials when the disease has no effective treatments and is always fatal, this approach is not in the best interest of patients. I believe this can be changed.

I am currently in a trial of an ALS drug called dexpramipexole (dex). I also am interested in getting a diaphragm pacer to help

Sometimes we need a little help to do this.

me preserve my ability to breathe. (How basic is that?) Biogen Idec, the company that is running the drug trial, says it will drop me from the trial if I get a diaphragm pacer. I wouldn’t mind being dropped from the trial — which I’ve been since May, 2011 — except that it would result in my losing the chance to get the drug if I’m on the placebo. If I’m out of the trial, I will have to wait until the drug is approved by the FDA, which could be many months away. I don’t have that kind of time at my disposal.

I’ve been told that the drug trial will go to “open label” sometime this September. That means that people in the trial who have been on placebo (and no one in the trial knows whether they have been or not, nor do their doctors — it’s a “double blind” trial) will be able to get the drug while the trial continues. Since today is July 20, it seems likely that even under the best of circumstances, I would get the diaphragm pacer less than a month before the open label period starts. Under the company’s rules, that’s “too soon” for Biogen Idec. I find it impossible to believe that this month is as important to them as it is to me.

I sent the following letter to the CEO of Biogen Idec. I haven’t heard back yet. If you think this matters, and you would like to do something to change how ALS research is done,

Dr. George Scangos, CEO of Biogen Idec

please send a note to Dr. Scangos. His email address is gscangos@biogenidec.com

Please send me a copy of your note, and let all readers of this blog know if you get an answer by posting it here.

If we can change this practice, it will tell us the power of ALS patients to influence the direction and structure of other research.

************************************************************

July 19, 2012

George A. Scangos, Ph.D.

CEO

Biogen Idec

Via email to: gscangos@biogenidec.com

RE: Continued participation in the dexpramipexole trial

Dear Dr. Scangos:

I am 60 year old woman with bulbar-onset ALS, diagnosed in November, 2010. I am enrolled in the dexpramipexole trial through the Forbes Norris Clinic in San Francisco. I have been in the trial since May 31, 2011, and have complied with the follow-up appointment schedule, which, as you know,  is quite demanding for people with ALS.

I understand that sometime in September the trial will become open label, and all those currently in the trial who are on placebo will be able to get the drug. I hope, as you do, that the trial is a huge success, not just for me, but for everyone else with this devastating disease.

Like others with ALS, I explore many options to try to maintain my health as long as possible. I have decided that one way to do that is get a diaphragm pacer. I am eligible for the device, and am awaiting Medicare approval.

The staff at Forbes Norris tell me that, if I get the diaphragm pacer before your trial goes to open label, I will be dropped from the trial. If I get the pacer after the trial goes to open label, I won’t be. I write to ask you, in the strongest possible terms, to reconsider this position.

If the diaphragm pacer makes no difference to the trial’s outcome in September, I fail to see the rationale for excluding patients who get the pacer now or in the near future. Why would you want to discourage ALS patients from doing everything they possibly can to lead productive lives as long as possible? Isn’t that your company’s objective with the trial?

In my life before ALS, I was a breast cancer activist. What I learned in that role is that things change because patients demand change. I’m asking you to do the right thing: allow me and others who get a diaphragm pacer in the next few months to remain in the trial.

I look forward to your positive response.

Sincerely,

Barbara A. Brenner

© Barbara A. Brenner 2012

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4 Responses to Let’s Broaden ALS Research to Help Patients

  1. Ellen Siegel says:

    Dear Dr Scangos,
    I am writing to you to request that you allow Barbara Brenner to obtain a diaphragm pace and remain in the dex trial.
    This woman has been an inspiration to many women, especially those of us with breast cancer. All those affected with ALS need to obtain whatever care they can get to alleviate the suffering and make day to day functioning better.
    I understand that pharmaceutical companies have their rules, but at times, rules need to be changed.
    Just think what this situation that Barbara faces would be like for you if someone in your family was in the same situation (which I hope does not happen).
    As a healthcare professional I hope you will reconsider her request.
    Many thanks,
    Ellen Siegel, RN

  2. Mary Gregory says:

    George A. Scangos, Ph.D.

    CEO, Biogen Idec

    RE: Continued participation in the dexpramipexole trial

    Dear Dr. Scangos:

    My friend Barbara Brenner is enrolled in the dexpramipexole trial through the Forbes Norris Clinic in San Francisco. She has been in the trial since May 31, 2011, and has complied with all its requirements. The strength with which Barbara has faced the challenges of ALS is inspiring.

    I understand that sometime in September the trial will become open label, and all those currently in the trial who are on placebo will be able to get the drug. I hope that the trial is a huge success as Barb is the second close friend who has had to deal with this disease, and there are few avenues for those who suffer from ALS.

    The staff at Forbes Norris have told her that if she gets the diaphragm pacer before your trial goes to open label, she will be dropped from the trial. I hope that you will reconsider this requirement. A diaphragm pacer could make an enormous difference in the quality of Barbara’s life.

    With hope that you will make a quick and positive decision,

    Sincerely,

    Mary Lowrey Gregory

  3. Elaine Elinson says:

    George A. Scangos, Ph.D.
    CEO
    Biogen Idec

    Via email to: gscangos@biogenidec.com

    RE: Continued participation in the dexpramipexole trial
    Dear Dr. Scangos:
    I am writing to question why my dear friend and colleague, Barbara Brenner, has been advised that if she gets a diaphragm pacer — which will support the very breaths she takes — she will not be able to continue to be on the dexpramipexole trial that your company is currently conducting.

    As your company has stated, in September the trial will become open label, and all those currently in the trial who are on placebo will be able to get the drug. Barbara has written that this one month period is much more important to her than to your company, and that your policy of preventing her from getting the drug is completely unreasonable.

    Not without great difficulty, Barbara has complied with all aspects of the trial for over a year. Please do not drop her and others who are dealing with ALS from the trial, simply for getting a diaphragm pacer.

    I sincerely hope that you will alter this ill-considered decision, and allow Barbara Brenner — and others who get a diaphragm pacer — to continue in the trial.

    Ms. Brenner does not give up easily — in fact, she does not give up at all. She has inspired many of us to fight for our civil rights and our right to health care. Her voice is a crucial one. Please listen to her call.

    Sincerely,
    Elaine Elinson

  4. Pingback: FDA to ALS Patients: Fuck You | Healthy Barbs

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