News Channel NPR posted a caution on October 1, 2020. We share this information, because we regard the channel as a reputable source. Their news item speaks of a ‘web of wellness promoting unproven shots for COVID-19’. Our concern is the Federal Drug Administration has apparently not approved their Thymosin Alpha-1 treatment. But is there more to this story than that?
Is a Web of Wellness Really Promoting Unproven Shots?
We don’t know for sure, but that may be the case. However, we do know some consumers do rash things when they fear a crisis, and there are always takers for their money. The ‘web of wellness’ promoting unproven shots may have a genuine product. But we believe it is best to stay with FDA approved medication .
Medicine providers outside this system have to rely on their marketing skills to convince the public their promises are true. In other words, there is no independent verification of their claims. This is normal practice in many consumer markets. However, experience suggests medication should be treated differently.
What We Know About the Thymosin Alpha-1 Drug
The FDA has apparently designated Thymosin Alpha-1 an ‘orphan drug’. This means it may be researched as a potential treatment for rare conditions. But NPR says it has not received FDA approval to enter the open market.
That said, Oxford Academic says the drug has ‘significantly reduced mortality among severe COVID-19 patients’. Although the clinical benefits and the mechanism ‘are still unclear’. We have included a link to their research paper, and the NPR report below.
It’s possible the medication comes from compounding pharmacies outside federal controls. If this is the case, we encourage them to obtain federal approval for their product. An abundance of caution persuades us to look elsewhere, should we need COVID-19 treatment while we wait for the result.
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Preview Image: Thymosin Alpha-1