Fwd: SECOND OPINION, NOVEMBER 5, 2003

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Wed, 5 Nov 2003 21:19:47 -0800

SECOND OPINION, NOVEMBER 5, 2003

 

" Nicholas Regush "

 

 

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2003

 

REDFLAGSDAILY.COM

 

GO TO BREAKING NEWS

 

GO TO FLASH! NEWS

 

SECOND OPINION

 

THE “LIQUID DRANO” HEART DRUG

 

Hype once again replaces science and good sense

 

By RFD Editor, Nicholas Regush

 

Another “breakthrough!” How many breakthroughs can we take in one week? And is

this “liquid drano” drug the MOTHER of all breakthroughs? You might get that

impression if you’ve combed the news headlines yesterday and today.

 

Such a small study with such a tiny result – and there is magic in the air.

Media magic and medical research magic. I have tended to look at most medical

researchers as naïve in the way they have allowed media reports to reflect their

work, but now I’m more convinced than ever that some of these researchers are

just plain stupid; that they’ve lost touch with reality; that they can no longer

differentiate between an extremely preliminary result with a few patients and a

real “breakthrough” that is based on solid and persuasive scientific evidence.

 

Such a big hoohaw over so little – it truly boggles.

 

Maybe the researchers and media sycophants think that the story about those

healthy villagers in northern Italy somehow adds scientific dimension to their

research.

 

In case you haven’t heard, the research is based on a synthetic version of a

genetic mutation in HDL cholesterol (so-called “good cholesterol”) which is

supposed to explain the good health of the villagers.

 

The study used that substance to reduce fatty artery plaque. Terrific. But can

we move ourselves out of the celebrations to ask the following pertinent

question?

 

Just how much plaque was reduced?

 

Many of the news reports don’t bother even referring to the amount of reduction.

Typical.

 

However…the “absolute” reduction was 4.2 per cent among those who received the

“drug,” while those who did not get the “drug” showed basically no change.

 

Not terrible at all, but not that much to write home about – and certainly not

with 47 people in the study. Anyone making a big deal out of this study needs to

go back to med school and take introductory courses in science. And that’s

probably what some of these doctors who came on the scene today to praise the

science need to do immediately before they embarrass themselves further. They

should stick to facts and leave the hyperbole with their brokers.

 

Of course, we learn that the company developing this magical potion may be

working some deal with Pfizer.

 

Oh, by the way, as the Reuters report listed below indicates, the company’s

shares fell on the Nasdaq. Why? Because some investors obviously are not as

stupid as the scientists who made outrageous claims for the “breakthrough.”

 

And…please keep in mind that I haven’t even touched on other issues related to

the cholesterol hypothesis of heart disease. As you know, we’ve been exploring

this general area a good deal at RFD.

 

MIRACLE DRANO

 

NOW, CAN WE GET BACK TO REALITY?

 

PFIZER IN THE WINGS

 

 

 

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