| Current
Research Projects:
 All research at the Institute about the use of bee venom has been suspended for the time being because of an order from the FDA.
Dr. Kochan was told that they want an IND (Investigational New Drug) application completed, which is quite a lengthy process. Considering that bee venom is a substance which has been used for thousands of years by non-physicians and for which there is no control of the production process this seems rather obstructionist. In addition, it is already an accepted drug for the purposes of desensitization of people allergic to bee venom. Also it is not clear to Dr. Kochan that the FDA has jurisdiction over the use of bee venom since it is also in the Homeopathic Pharmacopeias as Apis mellifera and was grandfathered into the medical armamentarium by congress in the early 1900’s. It is Dr. Kochan’s felling that the FDA has no jurisdiction in this case but the Institute does not have the resources at this time to contest the FDA’s order.
The
Institute sponsors ongoing research studies on
several major pain-related clinical conditions
that do not respond well to modern medicine.
In keeping with the Institute's primary (but
not exclusive) focus, the goals of these research
projects are to explore the long-term safety
and efficacy of promising, noninvasive or minimally
invasive, alternative and non-drug treatments
for relieving chronic, intractable pain.
Case Study of Bee Venom Therapy for Shingles
Pain and Postherpetic Neuralgia
Over the past 15 years, Dr. Andrew Kochan has
gained a broad understanding of the traditional
use and clinical applications of apitherapy as
well as emerging research on the therapeutic
benefits of bee products. As the current President
of the American Apitherapy Society, he recognizes
the need to scientifically document both the
strengths and limitations of apitherapy in treating
a wide range of health conditions. He brings
to the Institute his keen clinical observations
(based on numerous success stories with his patients)
and first-hand research experience in the rapidly
growing field of apitherapy.
Despite the many successes of pharmacologic
medicine, allopathic drugs are ineffective for
relieving the unbearable pain of shingles. This
condition is caused by the Herpes Zoster virus
which is the same virus that causes chicken pox
in children. Acyclovir (Zovirax®),
Famciclovir (Famvir®,),
and Valaciclovir (Valtrex®) are often used
to treat the acute infection. However, these
pharmaceuticals do not prevent shingles pain,
or the postherpetic neuralgia which may occur
in 10% of persons who have had shingles. As a
result, most patients resort to pharmaceutical
drugs, especially opiate medicines to lessen
the pain. These patients may wind up in a vicious
cycle of needing more and more medication as
they try to relieve their suffering. In some
cases, the side effects from opiate and other
narcotic drugs may only worsen their condition.
There is an alternative solution. Scientific
evidence suggests that treatment with injections
of honey bee venom may be effective for relieving
shingles pain. Dr. Andrew Kochan is one of a
small group of health care professionals who
has pioneered research in the field of integrative
pain treatment for shingles. Since the 1990’s,
he has made presentations at medical conferences
regarding the efficacy of bee venom therapy for
reducing shingles and postherpetic neuralgia
pain.
Dr, Kochan is committed to furthering evidence-based
research on this important issue. He is currently
accepting participants for his ongoing shingles
case study project. Individuals interesting
in participating in the Shingles Pain Treatment
Case Study Research Project studies should send
Dr. Kochan a confidential email.
Bee Pollen and Hay Fever Case Study Research
Project
Hay fever and pollen allergy season
in southern California is not always limited
to Spring or Fall, but instead, can last all
year. Preliminary research suggests that bee
pollen, when taken orally in doses that are
increased slowly over time, may help desensitize
some patients to pollen and relieve unpleasant
symptoms of runny nose, sneezing, water and
reddened eyes. Bee pollen is a safe and promising
alternative treatment for hay fever.
Dr. Kochan and his assistant, Mr. Ray Seipel,
M.A, are currently conducting case studies
on the effects of bee pollen on patients with
plant pollen allergies. For more information
on participating in this study, please contact
us.
Bee Venom and Arthritis Case Study Research
Project
For thousands of years, traditional healers
world-wide have touted the benefits of bee venom
therapy for various types of arthritis. Building
on this age-old knowledge, Dr. Kochan and Dr.
Boris Ratiner MD, a rheumatologist based in Tarzana,
are now collaborating on a study of the effects
of bee venom on patients with osteoarthritis
of the knee.
The Kochan-Ratiner research team is currently
recruiting patients diagnosed with mild to moderate
arthritis whose condition has not improved with
anti-inflammatory medication or who have had
adverse side effects from anti-inflammatory drugs.
Early evidence shows that bee venom, when given
in appropriate doses, reduces the swelling
and pain of osteoarthritis of the knee in some
patients. In addition, bee venom is usually free
of unpleasant and dangerous side effects such
as abdominal pain, nausea, indigestion, and diarrhea
linked with the anti-inflammatory drugs like
Celebrex® (celecoxib).
Anyone interested in participating or learning
more about the nature of this study, what
treatments are involved, what the commitment
is, possible benefits and risks should contact
Dr. Kochan at the Institute.
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