New Drug For Rheumatism Pleases Specialists

Chronicle (Levin), 1 July 1949, Page 5

New Drug For Rheumatism Pleases Specialists

Received Thursday, 7 p.m. LONDON, June 30. ■ British specialists wlio had visited the United States and seen tests earried out there in the nse of a new drug known as cortisone or "Coinbine E" for the cure of. rheumatoid arthritis and rheumatic fever, agreed "when addressing the rheumatology section of the British Medieal Association at Harrogate, that sensational results had been secured by the Anierieans in alleviating the early symptoms of both diseases, Dr. Donald Wilson, of Bognor Kegis, who reported npon his observations of the American tests, said they had been most speetaeular and he thonght encouraged hope that they would eventuallv lead to complete cures. It was pointed out however, that at present prospects of the new discovery being made generally available in Britain, were small. Thirty-nine different processes were required to prepare the drug and the plant neeessary for the work was almost as extensive and .oxpensive as that required for the maJiufaeture of atom bombs. The present cost of one injection with cortisone was about £50 and as a series of injections was required, the total cost was very high. Professor Sir Ilenry Cohen, • empliasised that so far as was ' known as present, the new drug was only effeetive if used in the early stages of the two diseases. Once the struetural tissue was destroyed or damaged, eorsitone could do nothing to repair it. Dr. B. E. Schlesinger, of London, said there was no doubt very favourable results had hoen obtainecl by the nse of the drug and that this might entail eonsiderable modification of existing medieal views upon the treatment of rheumatoid diseases.