Approximately 20,000 individuals in New Zealand are currently diagnosed with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue
Syndrome (ME/CFS), a complex and debilitating neuroinflammatory illness.
The 12th of May is International ME Awareness Day. This year ANZMES (Associated NZ Myalgic Encephalomyelitis Society) is
highlighting the remarkable progress made with research during this past year. Clinicians who treat this devastating
illness, as well as researchers, feel that we may be very near an “eureka moment.” New researchers are increasingly
being drawn into the field, having found that this complex illness has sparked their scientific curiosity.
One of the factors that has propelled this progress in research is the availability of new technologies and more
sensitive instrument measures. Imaging studies have provided further evidence of widespread brain inflammation, and new
technologies are also assisting ME researchers who specialise in the fields of immunology, genetics, epigenetics,
metabolics, cardiopulmonology, and biochemistry. The advancements in the multidisciplinary field of ME research is
contributing to the development of a more comprehensive understanding of this condition.
We are also drawing close to the identification of a blood biomarker that would enable clinicians to provide an earlier
diagnosis for their patients. Teams at both Griffith University in Australia and Stanford University in the US are
forging ahead with very promising possibilities in this regard and both have recently published papers on their findings
over the past month.
https://www.pnas.org/content/early/2019/04/24/1901274116
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31014226?
With the support of ANZMES and other organisations, New Zealand is making a significant contribution to these
international research efforts. Professor Warren Tate, an academic in the Department of Biochemistry at the University
of Otago, is one New Zealand researcher providing strong research on this condition, working in collaboration with
researchers overseas.
https://www.otago.ac.nz/otagobulletin/news/otago699494.html
https://www.odt.co.nz/business/set-quest-treat-me
https://www.thestar.co.nz/digital-edition See Page 22 and 23
In addition, international research groups are also looking into using drugs for ME/CFS that are currently available for
other illnesses and disorders. Several of these drug trials are underway at the present time.
While we are seeing great progress, we want to emphasise that much more research is needed. In order to achieve our
goals, we need increased funding into the study of ME/CFS. This field has been traditionally under-funded in relation to
the number of patients affected world-wide, both diagnosed and un-diagnosed. The economic and social impact of
disability caused by ME/CFS in New Zealand is very significant, as is true in countries around the world. Our aim is to
see that this catastrophic illness is one day relegated to the history books, as has been proving true with other
illnesses, such as poliomyelitis.
ANZMES is the national ME/CFS organisation. We provide information, support and government lobbying for patients with
ME/CFS, education for support groups, medical professionals and the general public, and investment into ME/CFS research.
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