AIM ImmunoTech (NYSE:AMERICAN:AIM) has announced the filing of provisional patent application to use Ampligen as a possible early-onset therapy for COVID-19 induced CFS. The chronic fatigue resulting from COVID-19 has similarities to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME).
AIM ImmunoTech optimistic to use Ampligen in addressing CFS/ME
Ampligen is a late-stage experimental development therapy in the US that has already has been approved in Argentina. There is currently planned or ongoing research by the US CDC, National Institute of Health, and other groups on chronic fatigue in patients after COVID-19. Although there is ongoing research on the condition, the company is optimistic that Ampligen will be vital in addressing the multifaceted disease.
Hunter-Hopkins Centre’s Dr. Charles Lapp, an expert in CFS/ME and a leading investigator using Ampligen to treat CFS patients, indicated that there was a likelihood that COVID-19 would result in more CFS cases. Lapp has been treating patients under the FDA-approved open-label extended access protocol indicated that the trigger for more cases will be an opportunity to learn more about CFS pathogenesis.
Up to 2.5 million people affected by CFS
Currently, there is no known exact cause or specific etiology of CFS/ME, but according to studies, there are several variants of the disease. The symptoms vary greatly, and sometimes they follow a chronic viral infection. According to the Institute of Medicines, there are around 800,000 to 2.5 million cases of CFS/ME in the US. Equally, almost 75% of the cases were a result of bacterial or viral infections.
AIM ImmunoTech CEO Thomas Equels indicated that although we are still in the early stages of COVID-19, there are already over 7 million cases confirmed globally. In the US, there are around 2 million cases, and therefore there is a high risk of COVID-19 induced chronic fatigue among survivors. Thomas added that considering the amount of clinical data available that supports Ampligen in CFS/ME, the company is looking forward to studying how the drug can help treat SARS-CoV-2 induced CFS.
