Tag Archives: drugs

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 →

Posted in Advocacy, Research | Tagged , , , , | 13 Comments

Exhibit A

Posted on October 17, 2013 by Jennie Spotila

I’ve been very critical of HHS and how they have handled communications and engagement with the ME/CFS patient community, and the fiasco surrounding the Institute of Medicine study is a sinkhole of terrible engagement. But if HHS and/or the IOM … Continue reading →

Posted in Advocacy, Commentary | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

Training Wheels

Posted on October 8, 2013 by Jennie Spotila

When the news about the IOM contract first broke on August 27th, I was at my training for FDA Patient Representatives. Here is my much delayed write-up of that training. Every year, the FDA Patient Representative Program holds an in-person … Continue reading →

Posted in Advocacy | Tagged , , , , , , | 18 Comments

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 →

Posted in Research | Tagged , , , , , | 7 Comments

Drug and FDA News, August 2013

Posted on August 23, 2013 by Jennie Spotila

Next week, I will be attending the FDA’s Patient Representative Workshop for new patient reps. The meeting is 1.5 days of orientation and discussion, and I am eager to meet my fellow patient representatives. I will report back on the … Continue reading →

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Hypersensitive

Posted on August 13, 2013 by Jennie Spotila

FDA recently issued a warning about the risk of rare but serious skin reactions to acetaminophen. Widely known by the brand name Tylenol, acetaminophen is an active ingredient in many prescription and over-the-counter medicines for pain, headaches, migraine, cold and … Continue reading →

Posted in Occupying | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Drug and FDA News, July 2013

Posted on July 25, 2013 by Jennie Spotila

The big BIG reminder for the ME/CFS community is that the public comment docket on drug development for ME/CFS will close on August 2, 2013. As of this morning, there are only 201 comments! That’s disappointing, given that FDA said … Continue reading →

Posted in Advocacy | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Heart Rate and Beta Blockers

Posted on July 2, 2013 by Jennie Spotila

Beta blockers are routinely prescribed to ME/CFS patients who have orthostatic intolerance. But because of the medication’s effects on heart rate, it can be challenging to incorporate heart rate monitoring into the picture. After some uncertainty, I have managed to … Continue reading →

Posted in Occupying | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Drug and FDA News, June 2013

Posted on June 28, 2013 by Jennie Spotila

We’ve had a good discussion in the comments on the advocacy action to request another meeting with FDA. I asked FDA if they would be pursuing Guidance to Industry on ME/CFS drug development, and was told it is already underway. … Continue reading →

Posted in Advocacy | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Precision Is Required

Posted on June 25, 2013 by Jennie Spotila

Post updated June 28, 2013. See end of post for additional information from FDA. Five ME/CFS advocates recently sent a letter to DHHS, FDA and select members of Congress requesting that FDA convene a second meeting with ME/CFS patients “to … Continue reading →

Posted in Advocacy, Commentary | Tagged , , , , , , , | 20 Comments