JayJay---I think that it is more a SHAME than a SCAM.

It is a SHAME that a flaw in our current procedural patent procedures appears to allow the hijacking of almost any method of delivery for countless medications (some of which have not even entered the research pipeline) that could be used against painful and fatal conditions. This flaw seems to have allowed our loved ones wellbeing to be been ransomed.

It is a SHAME that the Alzheimer research community has opted to ignore mounting evidence (some of which was aired at ICAD)...and...the requests of many (including the Alzheimer Association). They have continually refused to do their job and conduct further research on the value of Enbrel as a tool in fighting Alzheimer’s.

It is a SHAME that if they listen to Dr, Mark Seigle of NYU research will be done first on mice and then on humans. Shoot...The stuff has been around for years...It has black box warnings...If it is good enough for people with RA it is good enough for people with AD.

It is a SHAME that Amgen...the maker of Enbrel and the only entity permitted to petition the FDA for the right to conduct a clinical trial has not done so.

It is a SHAME that there has been no attempt by the Alzheimer research community to at least gather data by soliciting the cooperation of individuals already undergoing Enbrel injections.

Hi Cheri, there is definitely some evidence coming out that involves Enbrel use for RA with positive effects on depression, mild cognitive impairment, and other neurological disorders. I question why Amgen wouldn't release this drug for AD use, especially since it would be so profitable for them to do so. The only reason I can come up with is that the evidence isn't significant enough, or perhaps they are unsure of the other systemic effects this drug might have when administered intraspinally. When I spoke to Dr. Tobinick he said he is working on getting some national institutes to take part in the Enbrel study. If you check the government database for current clinical trials of this drug for AD you won't find any http://clinicaltrials.gov/. Again, with the "evidence" that Dr. Tobinick has presented I question why more University/Medical research centers haven't taken this on.

Aitan---Came to the conclusion that the lack of clinical trials could be an example of the adage..
” Why buy the cow if you can get the milk for free?”

Without the added expense of a clinical trial and advertising... I suspect Amgen makes a tidy profit off of the use of Enbrel in conjunction with Alzheimer’s. Their current set up has the advantage of not having to deal with any of the problems or face the potential wrath of their their European distributing partner who has several drugs in the pipeline.

Enbrel is not a cure...and is very expensive whether treatments are done in or out of network. There have been reports of non responders and a plateau effect. Much as I believe in its potential... My pocketbook and heart have been telling me to wait and see. I hope that some new information will be available before I feel the need to seek out a local source.

Aitan,

You are on the right track with all of this. I believe that all Doctors have been "brainwashed" by the drug companies and the FDA. Mom's AD is too far advanced now to be reversed but have since learned a lot about what and how we eat that could also be a major cause of AD. If interested check out the website www.knowthecause.com. Let me know what you think.