The Life Improvement Trial (LIFT) aims to investigate two drugs, separately and in combination, Pyridostigmine (commonly known as Mestinon) and Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN), for efficacy and to research the difference between responders and non-responders.
The LIFT represents a significant endeavor to improve treatment options for ME/CFS patients and contribute to the broader understanding of this debilitating condition.
The LIFT will be conducted at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) of Harvard Medical School, focusing on the effect of Pyridostigmine (Mestinon) and Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN) in subjects aged 18-65 meeting the Canadian consensus criteria (CCC) for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) as well as having specifically Orthostatic Intolerance. Both drugs may be anti-inflammatory, LDN through the blockage of toll-like receptors, and Pyridostigmine through its cholinergic effects.
This double-blind, placebo-controlled study will involve 160 participants randomized into one of four possible arms: Pyridostigmine/LDN (40), Pyridostigmine/Placebo (40), LDN/Placebo (40), Placebo/Placebo (40). The dose of Pyridostigmine will be carefully titrated from 30mg to 60mg three times a day, and the dose of LDN will be titrated from 1.5 mg to 4.5 mg once daily.
The trial includes a scale-back plan, allowing participants to reduce their dosage if they experience intolerance symptoms, with adjustments made during weekly visits. This plan provides a personalized approach to medication tolerance, ensuring participant’s safety and comfort throughout the trial.
The time commitment for the participant is approximately three (3) months, and during this time, there will be three (3) in-person visits to BWH and four (4) virtual visits. Study procedures will include two (2) submaximum cardiopulmonary exercise tests, questionnaires (virtually completed), and blood and urine collection. We will be recruiting from the BWH Dyspnea Clinic as well as the OMF StudyME Registry and anticipate the entire trial will take two (2) years to complete.
Donate your appreciated stock directly to OMFCA and you can receive an immediate income-tax deduction for the fair market value of the securities on the date of transfer (even if you originally paid much less for them).
OMFCA sells your securities and uses the proceeds to support our mission. You also do not pay capital gains tax on the transfer when the stock is sold. Giving appreciated stock can be more beneficial than giving cash. The “cost” of your gift is often less than the deduction you gain by making it. In advance, thank you for making this generous gift.
Gifting of Stock Instructions
Brokerage/Investment Firm: TD Waterhouse
Name on the Account: Open Medicine Foundation Canada
Account Number: 20LRHLA
OMFCA Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA) charity registration #: 74926 5518 RR0001
OMF Canada Registered Address:
Open Medicine Foundation Canada
2987 Baynes Road, Victoria, BC V8N-1Y4
Phone Number: 416-848-0055
Please speak to your personal tax advisor and then call OMFCA at 650-242-8669 to notify us of your donation or with any questions.