PATENT ISSUED FOR NOVEL TREATMENT FOR FAMILIAL DYSAUTONOMIA (Riley-Day Syndrome)

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has issued today Patent # 6,660,831 METHOD FOR DIAGNOSING AND TREATING DYSAUTONOMIA AND OTHER DYSAUTONOMIC CONDITIONS. The patent, which will remain in force until 2017, covers the use of the neuropeptide secretin for the treatment of symptoms associated with familial dysautonomia. The patent was issued to Dr. Joan Fallon with offices in Yonkers, NY. Familal dysautonomia (FD) which is also known as Riley-day syndrome, is an autosomal recessive disease that affects approximately 1 in 4,000 individuals of Ashkenazi Jewish descent. This disorder is marked by a reduction of unmyelinated and small myelinated fibers as well as a reduction of dopamine-beta-hyrozylase in the blood.

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has issued today Patent # 6,660,831 METHOD FOR DIAGNOSING AND TREATING DYSAUTONOMIA AND OTHER DYSAUTONOMIC CONDITIONS. The patent, which will remain in force until 2017, covers the use of the neuropeptide secretin for the treatment of symptoms associated with familial dysautonomia. The patent was issued to Dr. Joan Fallon with offices in Yonkers, NY.

Familal dysautonomia (FD) which is also known as Riley-day syndrome, is an autosomal recessive disease that affects approximately 1 in 4,000 individuals of Ashkenazi Jewish descent. This disorder is marked by a reduction of unmyelinated and small myelinated fibers as well as a reduction of dopamine-beta-hyrozylase in the blood.. Symptomotology of FD includes: renal disease, corneal ulcerations, mental retardation, loss of pain and vibratory senses, incoordination of movements, diarrhea, esophageal reflux, gastrointestinal paresis, facial abnormalities, altered dentition, increased salivary secretion, abnormalities of the sweat glands, bowel distension, fecal impaction, prolonged QT intervals (>440) a hallmark of sudden death, and orthostatic syncope, and blood pressure problems. Further features include decreased pain sensation, decreased temperature regulation, difficulty feeding, lack of overflow tears while crying, recurrent pneumonias, scoliosis or hyperkyphosis, increased sweating and skin blotching, decreased stature, as well as other conditions associated with autonomic dysfunction. Currently the underlying biochemical and genetic defects which cause the FD disorder are just beginning to be known. Thought to be an autosomal recesive disorder involing the gene known as IKBKAP, the gene is found on chromosome 9(9q31).

"This patent recognizes a novel treatment for those with familial dysautonomia." states Fallon. "Remarkable reduction in symptomotology was observed in children with FD who took secretin. I plan to further study the use of secretn and other neuropeptides for FD as well as for other dysautonomic conditions". states Fallon, inventor and patent holder. "By further study of the physiology of this type of dysautonomia will hopefully give us insight into other types of dysautonomia such a Parkinsons. Biological examination of this nature may ultimately lead to a cure".