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MEDTECH A pilot study conducted by the Malaghan Institute has shown hookworms to be a safe and feasible treatment for patients with ulcerative colitis, according to recent findings published in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases.
The Malaghan Institute is shedding new light on the unconventional yet promising use of hookworm therapy as a medication-free alternative for patients suffering from ulcerative colitis, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease.
Key Points:
- In the study, patients in remission from ulcerative colitis were infected with a controlled dose of hookworm larvae, while the control group was given a placebo. These patients were monitored over a 12-month period.
- The findings highlight the possibility of using hookworm therapy to help patients remain in remission and reduce the need for medications like steroids, which suppress the immune system and have adverse effects.
- There are indications that hookworms could reside in the body for several years, suggesting a potential “infect and forget” strategy that might eliminate the need for daily medication.
Additional Points:
- Participants did experience mild gastrointestinal symptoms around the 6-8 week mark post-infection, which generally resolved by weeks 10-12.
- Despite anecdotal evidence and a growing “underground” market for hookworm therapy, there is a lack of solid scientific groundwork to support its use. This study aims to address this gap.
- Future plans involve progressing to larger clinical trials and exploring the potential benefits of hookworm therapy for other autoimmune, allergic, and metabolic diseases.
Conclusion:
- The study by the Malaghan Institute presents intriguing initial findings regarding hookworm therapy as a potential, medication-free alternative to manage ulcerative colitis, paving the way for future, larger scale research and potential therapeutic applications across a range of diseases.
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“The worms just sit there in the background and do their thing. I think that’s where the power of this therapy lies.”
Dr. Tom Mules
Malaghan Institute Clinician and Gastroenterologist
