Category Archives: Research

Protocol for Disaster?

Posted on May 2, 2014 by Jennie Spotila

The study protocol for the systematic review of ME/CFS was posted by the Agency for Healthcare and Research Quality yesterday. It’s a recipe for disaster on its own, and within the broader context of the NIH P2P Workshop it’s even … Continue reading →

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Research Roadmap

Posted on April 14, 2014 by Jennie Spotila

The Research Recruitment Working Group of the CFS Advisory Committee has been formulating recommendations that could potentially change the direction of ME/CFS research at NIH. Not much time has been spent on it at the last two meetings, but I … Continue reading →

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Congress: We Need An RFA

Posted on April 2, 2014 by Jennie Spotila

I am very happy to report that an effort is underway to secure Congressional support for a $7-10 million RFA for ME/CFS funding at NIH. And there is something YOU can do to help! Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) and 10 … Continue reading →

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2013 NIH Spending on CFS Studies

Posted on March 31, 2014 by Jennie Spotila

Update: This post was revised on October 29, 2016 to correct mathematical errors and update the included research. I have positive news to report: NIH spending on ME/CFS  in 2013 was actually higher than it was in 2012. Are you … Continue reading →

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Guidance to Industry

Posted on March 10, 2014 by Jennie Spotila

Last year, the FDA said it would be preparing Guidance to Industry on drug development for ME/CFS and now they have delivered. Guidance for Industry Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis: Developing Drug Products For Treatment* has been published in draft form, … Continue reading →

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Systematic Overreaching

Posted on March 6, 2014 by Jennie Spotila

A study published last month* by a group from Norway reports a systematic review of ME/CFS case definitions. It’s important because the Institute of Medicine panel is likely conducting a similar process as part of its work, but the study … Continue reading →

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Behind Closed Doors

Posted on January 6, 2014 by Jennie Spotila

There’s an important meeting happening at NIH today and tomorrow, but you probably know nothing about it. The secrecy of this meeting is intentional, and the implications of decisions made at the meeting are as far-reaching as the Institute of … Continue reading →

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The Experts

Posted on September 24, 2013 by Jennie Spotila

Developments came fast and furious last night. First, the CFIDS Association announced that it would not oppose the IOM contract, but would actively call for the IOM to choose a panel that matches the CFS Advisory Committee recommendation from October … Continue reading →

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Opportunity Lost

Posted on September 10, 2013 by Jennie Spotila

The CDC hosted a conference call for ME/CFS patients and advocates today. The highlight of the call was a presentation from Dr. Ian Lipkin about his pathogen and immunology work in ME/CFS. But we received an important update on the … Continue reading →

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Directional Signs

Posted on August 26, 2013 by Jennie Spotila

Last week, the CFIDS Association announced the formation of a Research Advisory Council and its newly appointed members. A close look at the roster reveals some interesting signs about the direction the Association may be headed, and it may surprise … Continue reading →

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