Hi Everyone,

Dr. Noman Latov posted an interesting article that offers new hope via Gene Therapy called VM202. There's also a lot of other helpful info included on the page on a variety of topics. For example he covers a medical food callled metanix that requires a doctors prescription and much more. Please take a look when you have time. I believe there's something to be gained for everyone;
https://neuropathyjournal.org/diabetic-neuropathy/

Cliffman

I could not afford the Metanx so my Endo RX Foltanx. The Metanx had a more complicated formulation but my Dr said that for 12$ the Foltanx would supply Methylated b-12 plus folic acid. I take it as my b-12 twice a day. I will have to check out the VM202, thanks Ken in Texas.

--as it is a complex formulation of B-vitamins but one can get all these separately and over the counter--and besides, when megadosing B12 in the 1000-5000mcg range generally the best thing to do is take that apart from the others, on an empty stomach, as the cobalamin molecule, being the largest one the body regularly uses, is quite easy to interfere with the absorption of.

When I was at the Neuropathy Summit in DC in December 2010 there were numerous Metanx representative there that I grilled incessantly about vitamin absorption/interaction, and it turned out they knew little about absorption/interaction issues. Maybe I should have expected they would be less than knowledgable--they were reps, after all--but still.

I suppose Metanx is an option for those who can't take multiple pills at different times AND whose insurance will reimburse well. But many people have found it cheaper to order their B12, B-complex, folate, etc. from one of the many decent on-line sources, and take their pills at different times for maximum effect.

Also want to point out that this product is made by Nestle.
With my certification, I have access to prescribe for clients "prescription medical foods" and supplements that are prescribed by MD's and naturopaths. While they might be in convenient packages or combinations, they are usually overpriced and contain ingredients that are questionable.... just my 2 cents. I mostly guide people toward a whole foods diet with safe supplements taken with out fancy combinations.

Interesting...thank you. The gene therapy mentioned (VM202) on the main page was what I was really more interested in. That said, who knows how many years it will take to become available, if at all.

Cliffman

Anyone taking a combination product that has methylcobalamin in it, or cyano for that matter, should take it on and empty stomach.

B12 is lost in food in the GI tract when the person is dependent on passive absorption. (i.e. the intrinsic factor is broken or not present). If not taken on an empty stomach the small absorption of B12, blocked or greatly minimized.
This same recommendation is given for RX drugs that are given in microgram amounts --meaning thyroid hormones, and digoxin.
The study I put up often, and is on our B12 thread, showing 13mcg into the blood from a 1000mcg oral dose, used empty stomach to get those results.

It can be a shame, to go thru all the hoops of diagnosis of low B12, etc, and then take the needed B12 the wrong way and fail at that level.

Mrs. D. I take 5000 of the Methyl B-12 every day in the morning. This means I'm only getting 65 mcgs of the Methyl B-12? Didn't know it was that little. Do people ever take 50,000 every day (not that I'm doing that, just asking). Thanks much

Melody

Mrs. D. This one's for you.

Alan and I were attending one of those breakfast seminars that ask you to join their medicare advantage plan. There were LOTS of diabetics with neuropathy. All I did was mention B-12 and it has to be a certain kind of B-12, not Cyanocobalimin.

All of a sudden the presenter started asking me questions and the other people forgot about the presentation and wanted to know what they could do for their diabetic neuropathy.

Even the moderator started asking me questions. I stood up and did a presentation. Alan was in the bathroom and missed the whole thing.

There I was giving out my email address and they were all writing down stuff and asking "What's that kind of B-12 again?"

They all wrote down what I said (everything I learned from you I might add). Some of these people were in their 80's and when I asked if they did email they said "Well I have an email address but I don't know how to send one'. "But I know how to receive one".

I then took out my smart phone, asked them their email address, wrote them an email right in front of them with all the info, emailed it to them and I said 'look at your phone", or wait until you get home and go on your computer". They all looked at me like I was an angel from another planet. And all I did was share info that I got from you and these forums.

So just know you helped a lot of people today.

Love ya, Melody

Some of us have been waiting for VM202. Stage III clinical trials/approval take a VERY long time. I believe stage III starts around January 2016.

I've been taking Metanx for three years and I can't say it has helped my condition. It does help others though.

I hope VM202 or other gene and/or stem cell therapies are successful and make it to market soon.

I am sure this experimental drug can also be used for people with other NP origins.
There are so many neuropathies where oxigen is withhold or toxins damaging the nerves.
So i think that this experimental drug holds great promise,next year a pahase 3 study will be taking placewhich if i am correct will last 1.5 years

Its a korean company who is developing this drug

Here is the video

http://www.viromed21.com/